Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. 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. 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. 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. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. 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 Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. File photo, By Charles Sercombe 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. Hamtramck School Dist. 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. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . Section 1.3: Audit. 2K followers . 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. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. 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. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. About Bridge Academy East. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. 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. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. Last Wednesday I sat down with the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed to discuss parent and student engagement projects and how the district will work with the City of Hamtramck and the local Census committee to get everyone counted for Census 2020. Hamtramck Public Schools posted a letter from Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, in which she explained that the leave is for her own personal well-being during the pandemic. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 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. By Charles Sercombe Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Your email address will not be published. In her letter, Ahmed said that she is taking a break from her position to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. 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. Do they deserve it? Will you support us? Local. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. 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. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. Print Edition In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Something must not be going right. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. HPS News. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. going backwards from our best years In what way? You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! HAMTRAMCK, Mich. The superintendent of the Hamtramck School District was suspended with pay last week due to allegations that he violated state law while holding bids for contracts and for misallocation of school funds. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . Hamtramck, MI . All rights reserved. She did not say what specific ailment she has. Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. 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. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. 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. 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. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. 775 likes. About Your email address will not be published. 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. A. ) Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. chaotic whats chaotic? Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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". 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. 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. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. 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. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. 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. 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). Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. By Charles Sercombe Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Posted Feb. 11, 2022. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News, Later on, several teachers spoke up, complaining of a poor work environment in the district set up by Ahmed and Imbrunone, with the teachers union describing the environment as chaotic.. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. 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. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Decided December 22, 1986. Argued May 7, 1986. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. 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. Join us for an Open Forum! Do they deserve it? Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Mind sharing? This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. }. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. 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. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. Your email address will not be published. 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. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. She was very serious about that. Comments (-1) being. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. margin: 0 -8px !important; Anyone in the loop? 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. max-width: none !important; Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. The Hamtramck High School building. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. Section 5: Miscellaneous. One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3201 Roosevelt Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 SUPERINTENDENT Jaleelah Ahmed Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm HPS News Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022 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. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. "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. "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.". We're really reaching out to the community to . The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . Do they deserve it? Required fields are marked *. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. This content is only available to subscribers. 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.