Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. 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. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. 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. 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 is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools About Bridge Academy East. She was hired to do a job. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm 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. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. 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. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. 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. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. Anyone in the loop? 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. She did not say what specific ailment she has. Nabil Nagi, Ed.S. - ELD Director - Hamtramck School District - LinkedIn Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. 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. Section 1.3: Audit. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. 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 Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. This content is only available to subscribers. Your email address will not be published. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST January 20, 2004 - Mackinac Center A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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). She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. 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 Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her Menhem Aouad. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI - Zippia 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. width: 100% !important; We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. 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 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. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. The former superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools is suing the school district, five members of its school board and its teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her, defamation and. Mind sharing? As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. 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. 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. 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.. Local. (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. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. It is against that backdrop that I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a temporary leave of absence to address my own personal well-being. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage 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. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. chaotic whats chaotic? Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. She declined further comment. Hamtramck Superintendent Hasn't Worked In Four Months But Is Still Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. Election - Hamtramck Public Schools Bond Vote NO Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 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. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Will you support us? 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). WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. 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 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. 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. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. By Charles Sercombe | Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy 1K followers 500+ connections. Hamtramck Public Schools Names Acting Superintendents Amid Staff - WDET UPDATE: Detroit district's pause on in-person learning now extended March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! 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. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. 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". It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. 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. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent 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. 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. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. How to pronounce Hamtramck | HowToPronounce.com Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. 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. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. 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. Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Comments (-1) They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent.