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. 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). HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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. Mind sharing? Wish there was a way to stay informed! 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 is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. 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. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. About
The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. 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. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. }. 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. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. Do they deserve it? Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. 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). Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. Hamtramck School Dist. First Yemeni-American Superintendent of Schools in the United States Detroit Metropolitan Area. |
It is strange that people quitting after school year started. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). width: 100% !important;
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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. 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. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 2). Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, 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. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Print Edition
Argued May 7, 1986. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Nabil Nagi. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. Local. Section 1.3: Audit. 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. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? Your email address will not be published.
Ahmed is claiming the board members violated her contractual right to manage Hamtramck Schools administrative personnel decisions by demanding teachers union members be promoted to administrative positions. Your email address will not be published. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. 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. Dr. Adnan Aabed. 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. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. We're really reaching out to the community to . Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. 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. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. David Melkus for the plaintiff. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. 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. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. 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. "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.". Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. 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. 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. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Director of Innovative Programming. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . Hamtramck, MI . She did not say what specific ailment she has. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. My kids in HPS virtual academy. 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 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. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. She was very serious about that. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. }
Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. By Charles Sercombe 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. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. 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. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. 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. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. Supreme Court of Michigan. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Nabil Nagi, interim superintendent, said the district wasunable to provide information or comment on legal matters. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. 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. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. Your email address will not be published. 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. Something must not be going right. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Do they deserve it? from . Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. This content is only available to subscribers. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. 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. 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). 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. 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. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Interim Superintendent. 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. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. 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. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". 1K followers 500+ connections. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - After the sudden absence of Superintendent Ahmed, the temporary replacement Nabil Nagi will take full control of the responsibilities of the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent.