The Hamtramck Review said this week that trouble began with several job transfers of teachers, some involuntary, which resulted in backlash from some board members about former Human Resources Director Michelle Imbrunone, who was hired by Ahmed. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. display: block !important; Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Join us for an Open Forum! HPS News. Jaleelah Ahmad and the Hamtramck School District are still currently embroiled in a Federal Civil Rights Act lawsuit the are defending in U.S. District Court in Detroit pending before Judge Stephen Murphy III. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. The alleged conspiracy andthe stress suffered during the COVID-19 pandemiccaused Ahmed to experience severe emotional distress, the suit alleges, and forced her to take a three-monthmedical leave that beganOct. 10. width: 100% !important; It said: A lot of the teachers have left HPS. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, The most highly paid employee in the Hamtramck Public Schools district has been collecting a paycheck for about four months while staying home and claiming a COVID-19 leave of absence. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. All rights reserved. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. File photo, By Charles Sercombe Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. Required fields are marked *. Board members like Major supported Ahmeds efforts in 2020 to promote a millage to construct a new elementary school, a proposal later defeated by voters. A. ) That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. School district fell short retaining them. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. David Melkus for the plaintiff. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Hamtramck School Board Trustee, Moortadha Obaid, said it was "really sad" that Niczay is leaving the job, he lauded the superintendent as a "great guy". Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Earlier this year, dozens of Hamtramck teachers protested outside the districts administrative building during contract negotiations, detailing strained conditions at the school during Ahmeds tenure. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. going backwards from our best years In what way? Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. She declined further comment. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. Hamtramck School Dist. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Your email address will not be published. Donate Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. She remains on the districts payroll as of Feb. 18, more than a month after a Jan. 10, 2022, self-declared back-to-work deadline. Required fields are marked *. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. Your email address will not be published. Im looking forward to working with [the acting superintendents] on some of the initiatives that had stalled over the last couple of weeks I hope those initiatives can begin to get us out of this crisis, Coral says. | from . Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 854 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-2021 school year. Enroll Today Meals & Nutrition Transportation Home Our District Superintendent Home Meet the Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed Superintendent of Schools Phone: 313.591.7413 Fax: 313.432.8409 The new lawsuit does provide a more detailed picture of the conflict between Ahmed and the school board, something that has been shrouded in mystery since late last year. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Hamtramck, MI . HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. All Rights Reserved. Comments (-1) Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Join us for an Open Forum! In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News, Later on, several teachers spoke up, complaining of a poor work environment in the district set up by Ahmed and Imbrunone, with the teachers union describing the environment as chaotic.. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . The new lawsuit does provide a more detailed picture of the conflict between Ahmed and the school board, something that has been shrouded in mystery since late last year. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- An email apparently circulated among Hamtramck Public Schools employees ordered them to not contact Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who is now on a leave of absence. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3201 Roosevelt Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 SUPERINTENDENT Jaleelah Ahmed Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm HPS News Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022 These steps are necessary to protect the privacy of all concerned, the confidentiality of district information and records, and to ensure that district operations function in an orderly fashion. Jaleelah Ahmed filed a 38-page lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Detroit on May 23, alleging five of the seven school board members,Evan Major, Salah Hadwan, Moortadha Obaid, Showkat Chowdhury andRegan Watson and theHamtramck Federation Teachers conspiredto terminate her employment over teacher transfer complaints and other matters. We're really reaching out to the community to . Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. That lawsuit has been pending for about one year and Ms. Adamczyk is represented by Gary Miotke as her attorney if that name sounds familiar it is because he represented former HPD officer Dennis Whitty in two employment suits against the City of Hamtramck which settled for several hundred thousand dollars. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. By Charles Sercombe Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. margin: 0 -8px !important; Supreme Court of Michigan. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. Above: Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed says the portable classrooms for elementary school students stand in the way of equitable learning "Hamtramck has never passed a bond like surrounding cities," Ahmed said. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. } The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". being. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . We strive to follow best practices based on federal requirements outlined in Section 508the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards," authorized by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Boardas well as recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. 1/ Day for Students & Staff (HOZ - Final Exams), No School for Students & Staff, Spring Break, HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS3201 Roosevelt StreetHamtramck, MI 48212SUPERINTENDENTJaleelah AhmedPhone: 313.591.7400Fax: 313.284.6094Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - After the sudden absence of Superintendent Ahmed, the temporary replacement Nabil Nagi will take full control of the responsibilities of the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. width: auto !important; As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. An email apparently circulated among Hamtramck Public Schools employees ordered them to not contact Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who is now on a leave of absence. Ahmed is claiming the board members violated her contractual right to manage Hamtramck Schools administrative personnel decisions by demanding teachers union members be promoted to administrative positions. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. This content is only available to subscribers. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Hamtramck Public Schools haven't had a permanent leader since mid-October, when Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed announced "a temporary leave of absence to address my own personal. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. Hassan Abbas "We believe it is important to continue to respond to the changing pandemic, and to always put the safety of our school community first," Hamtramck Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed said in a. Ahmed also alleges school board members and the teacher's unionprovided falseinformation to local media which "ran articles impugning her professional reputation" and that false information was posted by the teachers unions on itsFacebook account impugning herprofessional reputation. Last Wednesday I sat down with the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed to discuss parent and student engagement projects and how the district will work with the City of Hamtramck and the local Census committee to get everyone counted for Census 2020. Hamtramck Public Schools posted a letter from Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, in which she explained that the leave is for her own personal well-being during the pandemic. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools discusses challenges for upcoming school year Dr. Jaleelah Ahmed, superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools and a member of the K-12 Alliance, said schools have tough decisions to make without direct orders from the state or county hea.. View article WXYZ Detroit In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. Your commitment to their success has been a driving force for me and the HPS faculty and staff throughout the challenges we have seen these past 18 months. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. Your email address will not be published. "I would say on the surface that,not speaking for the board, I would hope anyone reading or seeing of these types of allegations would be able to look at the history andthe diligence the board has shown inthe pastfor listening to our community and trying to build thebest school system we can for families.". Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. The suit alleges the board members made false statements like saying that Ahmed was collecting her salary even though she refused to work and that there was no legitimate reason for her medical leave of absence. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. It says the board members prevented her from bringing the district into compliance with federal and state law to accommodate an influx of autistic students by refusing to permit her to involuntarily transfer certified teachers to serve those students. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! It is my hope that I will return and come back revitalized, with a refreshed perspective to continue to lead our efforts, Ahmed wrote in the letter. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. District employees shall not communicate with Superintendent Ahmed concerning any district business, district matter, district student or district subject of any kind until further notice. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. The former superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools is suing the school district, five members of its school board andits teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her,defamation and violations offederal discrimination laws. |. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. The former superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools is suing the school district, five members of its school board and its teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her, defamation and. The mass exodus has been connected with her time as superintendent in local conversations and in local media over the months of her unexplained absence, during which teachers themselves spoke out during public meetings. Do they deserve it? Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. In September 2020, the district experienced aninflux of autistic students, the suit alleges, promptingAhmed to direct the involuntarytransfer of twoteachers from their former assignments so the autistic students would have teachers who were properly certified under federal and Michigan law. Argued May 7, 1986. Something must not be going right. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright The Arab American News. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='MMERGE4';ftypes[4]='date';fnames[6]='MMERGE6';ftypes[6]='text';fnames[5]='MMERGE5';ftypes[5]='date';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='date';fnames[7]='MMERGE7';ftypes[7]='date';fnames[8]='MMERGE8';ftypes[8]='zip';fnames[9]='MMERGE9';ftypes[9]='radio';fnames[10]='MMERGE10';ftypes[10]='text';fnames[11]='MMERGE11';ftypes[11]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Your connection to news, music, conversation. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. The superintendent of the Hamtramck School District was suspended with pay last week due to allegations that he violated state law while holding bids for contracts and for misallocation of school funds. Sarah Filipiak, who announced her resignation last week as principal of Dickinson East Elementary School, said that, under Ahmeds leadership, the message is loud and clear: you cannot grow here. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! In her letter, Ahmed said that she is taking a break from her position to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. HAMTRAMCK Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who has been on leave since last October, has filed a lawsuit accusing five board members and the teachers union of conspiring to get her fired. Your email address will not be published. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. She was scheduled to return on Jan. 10 but it was announced, at last months regular board meeting, that she remains on leave apparently at the boards insistence. 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Another teacher said that there was no confidence in the leadership, and that the district was not prepared to start up the new school year with in-classroom teaching. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. On the agenda for the school boards regular monthly meeting Wednesday evening, an additional 11 more teachers and staff members announced their resignation including the principal of Dickinson East Elementary School. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. chaotic whats chaotic? The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years.