This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Your email address will not be published. School district says superintendent is under investigation | Hamtramck 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 She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Relations between the district and Ahmed werent always sour. 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. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. display: block !important; The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Director of Student Services. 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. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools 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. 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. Election - Hamtramck Public Schools Bond Vote NO Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Your email address will not be published. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. School district fell short retaining them. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district David Melkus for the plaintiff. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Director of Innovative Programming. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. By Charles Sercombe 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). Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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 . Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy 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. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. We're really reaching out to the community to . 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. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities 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. Local. 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. Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. 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. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Your email address will not be published. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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. "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.". Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of - Public School Review Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage chaotic whats chaotic? The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. About Us - Bridge Academy East Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. First Yemeni-American Superintendent of Schools in the United States Detroit Metropolitan Area. Join us for an Open Forum! 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. Required fields are marked *. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. 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. 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 decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. (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. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. Print Edition In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Hamtramck Public Schools Names Acting Superintendents Amid Staff - WDET Hassan Abbas 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. I have no idea about the happenings in school this 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. 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. 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 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. 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. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. The Yemeni American Outgoing Hamtramck Schools' superintendent Tom This statement doesnt say much. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. 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. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. }. The Hamtramck High School building. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX / Home Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Interim Superintendent. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. Toni Coral, the president of the teachers union, characterized the working conditions in the district as chaotic a description that was repeated over and over. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Supreme Court of Michigan. The Hamtramck Public Schools are operating with a surplus (thanks to Thomas Niczay's, former Superintendent, diligence in budget and cost control) and will be able to continue operations if they do not pass their bond. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. |. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI - Zippia She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. 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. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed - Superintendent of Schools - Hamtramck Public 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". Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. 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. She declined further comment. 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Argued May 7, 1986. 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. Hamtramck School Dist. Hamtramck Public School District . Hamtramck Public Schools - Wikipedia 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. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. | In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: Dr. Adnan Aabed. margin: 0 -8px !important; 2K followers . All rights reserved. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. 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. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. 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. 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. Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. 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. Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. 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. It said: They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. | Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. 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. width: auto !important; 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. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos.