The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. "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. Mind sharing? Hamtramck Superintendent Hasn't Worked In Four Months But Is Still 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 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. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. 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. Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage 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 Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. 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. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. 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. 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. Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. 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. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. 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. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. 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. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. 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. 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 . Posted Feb. 11, 2022. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. 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. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? 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. 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. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Donate Your email address will not be published. going backwards from our best years In what way? 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. Teachers speak out on schools superintendent | Hamtramck Review This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. Something must not be going right. MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST January 20, 2004 - Mackinac Center Instead of appointing an interim superintendent, the board of education appointed Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, to share the duties of superintendent. Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. All Rights Reserved. This statement doesnt say much. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. margin: 0 -8px !important; Do they deserve it? Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. It seems like it would be big news. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Hamtramck Public School District . At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. 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. Local. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. 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. 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. Supreme Court of Michigan. 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. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. The lawsuit alleges the school board refused to permit the involuntary transfer of teachers to serve the students, resulting in the Hamtramck Schools being out of compliance with federal and Michigan laws governing the education of students with disabilities. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Do they deserve it? 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. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . David Melkus for the plaintiff. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. About Us - Bridge Academy East Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. 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. 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. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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 was very serious about that. 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. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. 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. 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. 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. Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers. Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools Names Acting Superintendents Amid Staff - WDET 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. 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. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. width: 100% !important; News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. 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. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. Director of Student Services. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. Breaking news HPS superintendent takes a leave of absence Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed talks bond proposal Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Tomiak v. Hamtramck School Dist. :: 1986 - Justia Law WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. 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. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. 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. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. 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. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. The Hamtramck High School building. Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed accuses board members 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. Director of Innovative Programming. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. | The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. Required fields are marked *. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. 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. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Your email address will not be published. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. 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. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. By Charles Sercombe Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. display: block !important; She declined further comment. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. 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. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. According to a letter the district sent to Ahmed on Oct. 14, 2021, she was also barred from taking any actions as a school official. About Bridge Academy East. 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. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. 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. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. } Section 5: Miscellaneous. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). She did not say what specific ailment she has. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. width: auto !important; Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. 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. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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). Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. 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. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. 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. Interim Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools sits down for an If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. 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. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Decided December 22, 1986. Bridge Academy East is a free public charter school district serving students in grades K-5th and houses a GSRP preschool program. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Superintendent / Home Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. 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". max-width: none !important; HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges.