Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. 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). from . The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. 775 likes. |. All Rights Reserved. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. It seems like it would be big news. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. 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. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . 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? Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. Do they deserve it? 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). max-width: none !important; She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. 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. } 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. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. Interim Superintendent. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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 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. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Director of Student Services. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. 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. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. 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. School district fell short retaining them. Required fields are marked *. 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). In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Print Edition Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. "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.". Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. Director of Innovative Programming. width: auto !important; Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. width: 100% !important; Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? 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. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 854 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-2021 school year. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. 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. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Join us for an Open Forum! Donate 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 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. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. 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. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Wish there was a way to stay informed! The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Anyone in the loop? Local. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? 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. 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. Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. 2K followers . Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Bridge Academy East is a free public charter school district serving students in grades K-5th and houses a GSRP preschool program. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. margin: 0 -8px !important; That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. Your email address will not be published. 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. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. 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. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. 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. | Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . 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. 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. 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. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent Comments (-1) Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. 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. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. 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. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! 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. Join us for an Open Forum! She did not say what specific ailment she has. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Posted Feb. 11, 2022. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. Required fields are marked *. 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No.