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 suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. 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. Your email address will not be published. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. We're really reaching out to the community to . Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. 2). The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. This was covered in several local media outlets, with a remarkable number of teachers leaving in a short period, and the fact that it reflected national trends of teachers finding better work environments. 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 encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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. All rights reserved. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. 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. By Charles Sercombe Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Hamtramck Public School District . Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. She did not say what specific ailment she has. It also says that the board members and teachers union falsely instructed teachers that it was necessary for them not to contact Ahmed during her leave. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. 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. 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. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. The suit says Ahmed has been discriminated against by the board members and the teachers union based on sex and national origin, as the districts previous superintendent, a White man, had made similar decisions as her without repercussions. She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. Do they deserve it? Did anyone press those teachers for more details? Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. During my absence, the Board of Education will appoint an interim superintendent who will have the full support of the entire team at Hamtramck Public Schools. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. chaotic whats chaotic? This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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. 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". This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. About Bridge Academy East. Will you support us? Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. My kids in HPS virtual academy. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Ahmed is also accusing the parties, which include two board members who, like her, are Yemeni Americans, of discrimination (based on sex and nationality) and defamation. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. 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. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. Hamtramck School Dist. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Supreme Court of Michigan. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Your email address will not be published. | 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. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. The energy and passion they bring every day continues to make a world of difference and will play a huge role in helping accelerate their learning as we continue to address the effects of COVID learning loss. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Director of Student Services. 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. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. First Yemeni-American Superintendent of Schools in the United States Detroit Metropolitan Area. Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. Required fields are marked *. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. 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. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. 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. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. 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. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. Mind sharing? Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. | 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. |. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. } Comments (-1) Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. It is against that backdrop that I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a temporary leave of absence to address my own personal well-being. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Director of Innovative Programming. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donate | Contact Us, Michigan senator rakes in donations from energy companies, blasts them on Twitter, On House Bill 4001, Michigan Senate Republicans deny immediate effect, preserve tax cut, Why a Michigan paraprofessional left his union, Feds give Michigan $110M to install 127 EV chargers. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. 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. They felt that some involuntary transfers that administration had implemented were retaliatory people who had spoken up about some things suddenly found themselves moved, Coral says. Required fields are marked *. Ahmed announced in October she was going on a leave of absence because of stress from handling school affairs during the pandemic, on doctors orders. 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. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. from . Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. Hassan Abbas She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. 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 2K followers . Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Nabil Nagi. File photo, By Charles Sercombe They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Jaleelah Ahmed and the school district are defendants in a federal whistleblower lawsuit by Christina Adamczyk filed by attorney Gary Miotke that pends in federal court. 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. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. 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). 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. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. 775 likes. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Print Edition Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Decided December 22, 1986. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Required fields are marked *. 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. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? 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. Local. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? width: auto !important; 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. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. max-width: none !important; Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Argued May 7, 1986. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. 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. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. David Melkus for the plaintiff. She declined further comment. 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. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Donate Join us for an Open Forum! Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. All Rights Reserved. A. ) Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. It seems like it would be big news. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. 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 health . going backwards from our best years In what way? While I know the news of my leave may come as a surprise, I also know that you will continue to serve as an invaluable partner in your childs education. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. 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. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. "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. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . Section 5: Miscellaneous. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Pro-Israel, pro-corporate outside funds thrown at campaign opposing Talib in 12th District primary, Maker of Pillsbury products divests from Israel, after multi-year boycott campaign. Aiyash, who was not re-elected among fellow board members as president of the board, has not attended a board meeting since January, the Review said. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Thus, our focus remains on providing our children with a learning environment that supports their academic, social, and emotional growth," Nabil said in a statement. This content is only available to subscribers. 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. 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). 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. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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.