Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. We have seen the impact of the pandemic, not only on the physical well-being of our students, families, teachers, and staff, but also on the social and emotional health of our community. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Also on the boards agenda were the hirings of nine new teachers and staff employees, including one for the filling of the high schools vacant principal position. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. Mind sharing? 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. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. max-width: none !important; Nabil Nagi, Ed.S. - ELD Director - Hamtramck School District - LinkedIn Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Posted Feb. 11, 2022. 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. About Us - Bridge Academy East Election - Hamtramck Public Schools Bond Vote NO She did not say what specific ailment she has. At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? 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. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). chaotic whats chaotic? It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. 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. She was very serious about that. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Her attorney, Robert Lusk, said in early August 2021, Hamtramck schools notified three teachers they had been transferred at their request and anothernine teachers they would be involuntarily transferred. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. 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. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. Argued May 7, 1986. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Join us for an Open Forum! Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . Something must not be going right. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. 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 Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. About Bridge Academy East. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. | This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. It said: Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. The Hamtramck High School building. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. 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 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. Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed Comments (-1) "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.". Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! 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 purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Your email address will not be published. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. The district will continue to address and support emotional well-being and mental health for those in our entire school community as that has been an element of critical focus. Anyone in the loop? It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. Ahmed defended those involuntary transfers, citing the need to meet federal guidelines to serve an influx of autistic students with special needs who needed specialized teachers. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. |. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. About 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. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. These transfers were made to improve the educational opportunities of Hamtramck Schools students, Lusk said, but triggered demands from school board members and the union forAhmed to firethe district's Human Resources director,MichelleImbrunone. Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage Hamtramck School Dist. Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Decided December 22, 1986. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. 1K followers 500+ connections. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - Hamtramck Public Schools is now leaving the crossroads of a few changes - labor talks between administration and the teacher's collective bargaining unit are continuing, COVID-19 restrictions are relaxing, federal grant dollars are being allocated, and then some. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. It is my hope that I will return and come back revitalized, with a refreshed perspective to continue to lead our efforts and be the driving force behind the advancement and vision we have for the students and families of Hamtramck Public Schools. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? By Charles Sercombe After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. Menhem Aouad. 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. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. This statement doesnt say much. She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX / Home Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Hassan Abbas 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. 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. The suit allegesthe union and school board membersharassedAhmed in an effort to force her to dismiss Imbrunone, blamedAhmed and Imbrunone for teacher retirements and resignations and placedImbrunone on a paid leave of absence on Oct.28. Superintendent / Home Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities 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. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. HPS News. The suit says Ahmed was harassed by the board members over her defense of the human resources director and blamed both for the mass exodus of teachers and placingImbrunone on a paid leave of absence in October. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Required fields are marked *. In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Director of Innovative Programming. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. 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. Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. Wish there was a way to stay informed! Hamtramck Public School District . Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Having our students return to learning in our schools these past two months has been wonderful both for our students and our faculty and staff members. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. Section 1.3: Audit. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- We're really reaching out to the community to . "She has a contract with Hamtramck. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. How to pronounce Hamtramck | HowToPronounce.com 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 Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. Director of Student Services. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed talks bond proposal }. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Hamtramck Public Schools Names Acting Superintendents Amid Staff - WDET 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. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Relations between the district and Ahmed werent always sour. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. 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. Ahmeds lawsuit says school board members Evan Major, Salah Hadwan, Moortadha Obaid, Showkat Chowdhury andRegan Watson and the teachers unionprovided falseinformation to local media, which hurt her reputation and that the teachers union posted that false information on itsFacebook account. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools | They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". 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). All Rights Reserved. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. Do they deserve it? HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues.