Save Hillel

90 responses so far ↓

• 1 Concerned Citizen // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:02 pm

  Which channels would you like people to go through?

• 2 Concerned Citizen // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:16 pm

  I was not aware there was Hillel Teachers’ Assoication in existence.

• 3 admin // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:23 pm

  To the person who sent this: The power harnessed within this site — and the power it has since brought forth — is testament against the “nonsense site” of which you speak. Ironically, it has driven you to email me with the aforementioned email not once, but twice.

  You speak of “civil channels” but you do not realize that this site exists because attempting communication via “civil channels” generally yields no results. Complaints about terminations fall on deaf ears. Why were Mintz and Zakon, who were very influential in my time, fired? The community used what they thought were “civil channels” and nothing happened. This site will aim to prevent history from repeating itself. NEVER AGAIN.

• 4 WRONG WRONG WRONG! // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:31 pm

  How dare you say:
  “Who is responsible for hiring a new Head of school who committed academic fraud by claiming to hold a Doctorate degree which was actually purchased from a diploma mill?”

  The Head Master has a dissertation from that school. Thats disgusting for you to say that. How do you know that he paid for it? I think you need to do some serious thinking buddy.

• 5 Concerned Citizen // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:37 pm

  Admin., You are correct.

  Channels do indeed need to be put in place but unfortunately the ones that do exist are completely ineffectual as the writer himself or herself has just pointed out (The writer himself just stated that the individuals who comprise these channels meet in secrecy and use fear as a means of keeping others in line and ensuring that people keep their mouths shut. This person is 100% correct in articulating all of the very issues that must be addressed immediately.).

  Hence, the website.

  And, there is no such thing as a Hillel Teachers’ Association, unfortunately.

  I wonder who has deemed himself or herself as spokesperson for our teachers?

  A TEACHER’S UNION would go a long way in correcting the vast majority of problems the writer just mentioned, but the teachers are too scared to start one because over the years they have been told they will be immediately terminated if they attempt to form one.

  I pray that I live to see the day that Hillel gets its act together so that this website is no longer needed.

• 6 Concerned Citizen // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:47 pm

  Wrong, Wrong, Wrong,

  Clearly you don’t know the meaning of “diploma paper mill”. Look it up!!

• 7 WRONG WRONG WRONG! // Apr 10, 2007 at 9:51 pm

  I absolutley do.

  However, just because our Headmaster went to “diploma paper mill” doesn’t mean he paid for his degree call him up and ask him for his dissertation. You my friend are wrong wrong wrong

• 8 Concerned Citizen // Apr 10, 2007 at 10:01 pm

  I think people should be aware that nationwide almost all administrators and teachers who go by the title “Dr.” have an Ed.D or Ph.D in Education.

  A Doctorate in Education is a pretty lightweight degree academically speaking. It is cosmetic more than anything else. (So I’m not sure that purchasing one from a diploma mill is really such a big deal).

  The real issue is what the masters and bachelors degrees are in–hopefully not just in Education but a subject or discipline that is relevant to that person’s teaching experience.

  As has already been discussed in a prior thread in the archives “Are Qualified Administrators Making Decisions, ” I stated that this degree is not really the issue: we all know that some people without prestigious degrees are brilliant and some who look great on paper are terrible.

  Either you can get the job done well, or you can’t.

  It seems that the majority of administrators and board members can’t. Degree or no degree.

• 9 anonymous // Apr 10, 2007 at 10:31 pm

  I applaud the individual who represented a Teacher’s association. However, it is most unfortunate that such sentiment must be disguised on this website just as those of many parents and board members who cannot and will not identify themselves for fear of retaliation against themselves or even worse, their innocent children.

  However, I do not believe a teacher union is necessary to effectuate change as one individual commented.

  Just to add to regarding unacceptable promotions…..how about the promotion of the pre-school principal to the position of principal of the lower school — - the individual has absolutely no elementary teaching or leadership experience, expertise or knowledge. Who approved this hire????Wonder what the new headmaster was thinking.

  It is no wonder we can’t find administrators - - the new head master requires them to stay at school more than 12 hours a day. This is unheard of. They don’t get paid enough for such hours. These people have families as well. Just because his family is not hear does not mean that administrators should be required to stay at school til late hours when school dismisses at 3:40 or 3:50pm. The outgoing elementary school principal was outstanding (almost too good for the school) - - the truth be known - - it is the current administration and its mannerisms and methodology that has caused this resignation - - make no mistake!!!!

  Did anyone happen to notice the new calendar for next year - - -school now lets out at 2pm on Fridays - - great for working parents, huh?

  It is not known what is happening to our school except that its faculty and family is being unraveled one thread at a time and we are allowing this.

  Our board is not being held accountable. The apathy of the parent body is growing. The more I speak to people, the more I hear of those examining other schools.

  Our alumni, who would otherwise provide philanthropic contributions, have all but walked away. It is unbelievable that the board and current administration has not yet recognized the irreversable damage their actions are causing. Furthermore, how do they expect to obtain community support when they have alienated the community. Something is very wrong with this picture.

  Again, I call on all parents who are reading this website to act and sign at least one of the petitions. Only member signatures count according to the bylaws- -members are current parents or those individuals who have given $1,000 or more in the last year. Please type parent or member in the comment field to identify your status. Unfortunately, alumni signatures do not count toward the member total.

  http://www.PetitionOnline.com/VFSSHCDS/petition.html
  or
  http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SSHCDS07/petition.html

  Additionally, I encourage all alumni, parents, teachers etc. to continue to voice their opinions and concerns on this very well managed website.

  Kol Hakavod to the webmaster - - this is a true mitzvah - - -helping to ensure the survival of a Jewish school!

• 10 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:17 am

  PLEASE USE THE FIRST PETITION LINK ONLY!!

  AND ONLY IF YOU ARE A CURRENT PARENT IN GOOD FINANCIAL STANDING

  OR SOMEONE WHO HAS DONATED A MINIMUM OF 1,000 IN THE LAST YEAR

• 11 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:23 am

  I second that: Kol HaKavod to the creator of this website, a Hillel alum, who is truly a “Kiddish Hashem” and exemplifies the mitzvah of “HaKarat HaTov” by acknowledging the kindness that teachers have done for him or her.

  This person makes me and Hillel proud!!!!!

• 12 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:28 am

  anonymous,

  I have also heard that several parents will not be putting their children back at Hillel next year because of their frustration with mismanagement, lack of communication, and total revulsion at the way beloved teachers have been treated.

  Truly sad, but can you blame them?

• 13 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:32 am

  Wrong, Wrong, Wrong,

  Everyone pays for their degree!!! Do you think colleges give them away for free?

• 14 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:37 am

  Wrong, Wrong, Wrong,

  It frightens me to think that you, who are probably a board member running our school, has no clue what a diploma mill is.

  A diploma mill pumps out degree after degree. The standards are not rigorous…And it is an established fact that this dean got his Ed.D or Ph.D (whichever) from a known diploma mill. You cannot dispute that. It seems irrelevant, however…So why do you keep harping on it? Are you the one who hired him?

• 15 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:43 am

  Wrong, Wrong, Wrong,

  Please share more with us. You clearly are privy to much more information than we are–you have access to the “dissertation,” after all.

  And, what is the “dissertation” about anyway? If I had to venture a guess, I’m sure the thesis title runs something along these lines:

  “How to reduce school budgets by expending HUMAN resources”.

  Please enlighten us further, Mr. Right, whereever you are.

• 16 Aaron // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:02 am

  Here’s a weird thought: When Holden first filled out his application for Hillel, did he write that he has a doctorate?

  If he did (even though we are assured that he was hired for his REAL masters and not his FAKE doctorate) that would mean he lied on an application.

  I’m not a lawyer, but I’m under the impression that lying on an application (if prosecuted) is a felony.

  I’m also under the impression that felons can’t work at schools…

• 17 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:29 pm

  The doctorate is real. It’s just given by a university that gives everyone a doctorate so it’s not all that impressive.

• 18 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 12:46 pm

  Education doctorates –regardless of the university that gave the degrees–are not very impressive to begin with. That’s why the degree is really a non-issue.

  The issue is: how are we going to get channels in place now to ensure that there is accountability?

• 19 Juno // Apr 11, 2007 at 1:29 pm

  Dade County Public Schools had a similar problem…

• 20 admin // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:12 pm

  I received this anonymous comment regarding a comment posted within this thread:

  Dear Concerened Citizen- The 6 teachers in the H.S. who hold doctorates, most, if not all with published dissertations, and the at least 2 H.S.
  staff members who are currently working on their doctorates would like you to know that many, many years of rigorous work went into their degrees. I’d love to know what your credentials are that allows you to decide that
  doctorates are “lightweight” “cosmetic” degrees and “not very impressive” to begin with. …

• 21 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:22 pm

  I know of 2 teachers with Educational Doctorates:

  Dr. A
  Dr. S

  and the Dean

  I’m not aware of the other 3…Please share.

  I’m well aware of what’s involved in earning educational degrees–and sorry to tell you, an Ed.D or Ph.D in Educational Leadership or Curriculum and Instruction is nowhere near as rigorous to earn as a Ph.d in Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, or Economics. Sorry to break that to you.

  Anybody can confirm that for you.

  The master’s degree in the discipline area is far more significant than the lightweight “fluffy” educational degree.

  Any graduate student who takes educational courses will tell you they’re a joke. Go survey them and get back to me. I know this for a fact.

  I happen to hold an advanced degree myself–from an accredited, well-known university–not an online diploma mill, but this is not about me.

• 22 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:24 pm

  Let me add that I have taught at the university level.

• 23 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:33 pm

  The degrees are not the issue. And if you’ve been reading my posts you should know that I’m strongly fighting ON BEHALF of the teachers, not against them! I’m the biggest supporter of teachers you will ever find and agree with a previous writer who stated that teachers should be put on “a pedestal”.

  The dean’s lightweight degree is not the issue–How to hold him and others accountable for wrongful firings of wonderful teachers is at issue so let’s stay on point please.

• 24 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:41 pm

  If the board needs help selecting more qualified administrators, Harvard Hillel Alum 2001 and I would gladly assist in consulting free of charge.

  I believe that Harvard alum already extended that offer previously in a different thread, and I would also be glad to help the Board in their selection process since most of them clearly don’t know what they’re doing as so many people on this website have already pointed out.

  The problem is that they have only invited a small handful to sit with them on their selection committees. The process needs to be more inclusive so that the needs of the community are met.

• 25 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:45 pm

  To those who are interested!

  Part of this comment was previously posted in response to another comment but I think it is also very appropriate here with some additional insight! I encourage people to read all areas of the site including the archives.

  It is not about who holds what degree –this is about what is happening to our beloved school!!!
  Anyone can study and earn a degree with determination and knowledge. It is the application and implementation of such knowledge currently at issue.

  The truth is that I am unaware of any former Hillel student and/or alumni who went to Hillel and was unable to matriculate into a named college or university. Hillel has been known for its amazing graduates who complete they higher education and go on to be leaders within their communities. If it were not for the teachers none of this would be possible.

  Let’s face it - - without teachers our society would be illiterate. It is our teachers who teach our children the information they need to get to the next level - - regardless of the subject. Teachers should be put on a pedestal. For the most part, we have excellent teachers at Hillel. Seasoned teachers are invaluable. There is an inherent value in people who have experience.

  People should not be discounted because they may be older or more experienced - to the contrary, many new teachers need to be mentored.

  Apparently, history is repeating itself. When veteran teachers offer their expertise and opinions, and the administration does not believe the same way - -they find ways to effectuate change. This is what happened to Mrs. Singer several years ago - –Ms. Bloom (prior ECE admin) did not like that Mrs. Singer was actually teaching in the classroom, using manipulatives, worksheets, and conducting classroom instruction, she was dismissed due to differences of opinion and actually teaching the children. Ms. Bloom liked learning through play. Mind you Mrs. Singer was there well over 25+ years. She probably was one of the best early childhood teachers/educators we ever had. So when she was dismissed - - parents went to her to privately tutor their children.

  This year, I have been told that some new teachers hired in the elementary school were so inexperienced that there were several issues in the upper grades of this division. Degrees are one thing - - experience is somthing else.

  I listened to a parent (I felt awful for him and his child) describe the situation in 6th grade this year - - a classic example of new, fresh blood - (probably less expensive)- - no dual curriculum experience and a “qualified teacher” who could not teach - - subsequently was made an assistant and no teacher was hired but another assistant taught the class. Is this not a disservice?

  This is how the new head master balances the budget - - he did it at the last school and is doing it here. Non-renewal of teachers who have been on staff longer (their salaries are higher) and replace them with new younger teachers (less experienced and cheaper) then he shows the board how much money was saved. What is being discounted is the education our children are receiving for the increased price of tuition.

  So if we lower the payroll and increase tuition, then, the bottom line increases and the deficit decreases!

  IS this clear????

• 26 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 6:50 pm

  You are two million percent correct.

• 27 Aaron // Apr 11, 2007 at 7:09 pm

  Florida Statute § 817.567

  817.567. Making false claims of academic degree or title

  (1) No person in the state may claim, either orally or in writing, to possess an academic degree, as defined in s. 246.021, or the title associated with said degree, unless the person has, in fact, been awarded said degree from an institution that is:

  (a) Accredited by a regional or professional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation;

  (b) Provided, operated, and supported by a state government or any of its political subdivisions or by the Federal Government;

  (c) A school, institute, college, or university chartered outside the United States, the academic degree from which has been validated by an accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education as equivalent to the baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States;

  (d) Licensed by the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities pursuant to ss. 246.011-246.151 or exempt from licensure pursuant to s. 246.085; or

  (e) A religious seminary, institute, college, or university which offers only educational programs that prepare students for a religious vocation, career, occupation, profession, or lifework, and the nomenclature of whose certificates, diplomas, or degrees clearly identifies the religious character of the educational program.

  (2) No person awarded a doctorate degree from an institution not listed in subsection (1) shall claim in the state, either orally or in writing, the title “Dr.” before the person’s name or any mark, appellation, or series of letters, numbers, or words, such as, but not limited to, “Ph.D.,” “Ed.D.,” “D.N.,” or “D.Th.,” which signifies, purports, or is generally taken to signify satisfactory completion of the requirements of a doctorate degree, after the person’s name.

  (3) (a) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

  (b) In addition to any penalty imposed under paragraph (a), a violator shall be subject to any other penalty provided by law, including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of the violator’s license or certification to practice an occupation or profession.

• 28 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 7:22 pm

  Aaron,

  Tell us in layperson’s terms what this means.

• 29 anon // Apr 11, 2007 at 7:51 pm

  Dear Concerned Citizen:

  What this means is the Adam Holden should be called Mr Holden and refrain from asking us to call him Dr Holden. Unless, of course, that West Coast Univ meets criteria as stipulated in 1a or 1d above.

  Perhaps in Kansas they had looser credentialing criteria.

• 30 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 7:52 pm

  Thank you.

• 31 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 8:30 pm

  Are there any attorneys reading this now who might be able to investigate and verify whether a crime has been committed?

• 32 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 9:04 pm

  No offense - - aren’t we losing site of the issue here???

  As far as translation - –according to the statute - if an indivdual misrespresents a degree commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

  In addition to any penalty imposed under paragraph (a), a violator shall be subject to any other penalty provided by law, including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of the violator’s license or certification to practice an occupation or profession.

  That is what it says!

• 33 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 9:11 pm

  I have no idea whether the dean is in violation of these statutes, but if he is, I would say that having a criminal run the school is a pretty serious issue…wouldn’t you agree?

• 34 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 9:47 pm

  I concur, however, the issue is the non-renewal of the teachers and the state of chaos the school is in.

  The board is accountable for the hiring of the headmaster and his other henchmen. If we can petition for a meeting with the board — all of these issues can be discussed.

  The goal is to obtain answers and justification surrounding the air of destruction, cutting of payroll by sacrificing our kids, and increase in tuition.

  Again…..The manner in which the new head master balances the budget - - he did it at the last school and is doing it here. Non-renewal of teachers who have been on staff longer (their salaries are higher) and replace them with new younger teachers (less experienced and cheaper) then he shows the board how much money was saved. What is being discounted is the education our children are receiving for the increased price of tuition.

  So if we lower the payroll and increase tuition, then, the bottom line increases and the deficit decreases!

  Again, IS this clear???? Let’s stop the destruction of our school - - let us NOT allow what was done in Kansas to be done in Florida - - the tornado has begun - -it is our call to stop it!

  If the dean misrepresented his credentials - - I believe the Human Resource manager, Ms. Ana Baker is then insubordinate if she did not undertake the proper procedures, including a thorough background check and validation of his credentials. These are policies and procedures that should have been in place.

  If the board hired the individual without performing, at the very least, a background check, validation of creditials, and a thorough check of references, as MEMBERS (parents), we should demand ACCOUNTABILITY..

  Isn’t this the very reason we have embarked on this campaign to SAVE HILLEL????

  Please have your fellow MEMBERS (parents) sign the petition to have a meeting!

  http://www.PetitionOnline.com/VFSSHCDS/petition.html

• 35 voice from the past // Apr 11, 2007 at 9:51 pm

  I don’t know how much truth there is to this, but I’ve heard this from several sources already… Someone else, please confirm:

  It seems that Chaya Kohl has been made the “fall guy” for the firings (even though we know that the firings were a joint decision). She has been fired and her office has been emptied. She is no longer welcome on the Hillel campus.

  Rabbi Kaplan has been appointed Interim High School Principle for the rest of the year.

• 36 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:10 pm

  Anonymous:

  I obviously agree with everything you’re saying but hold on for just one second–

  Forget about Ana Baker. The board had a secret meeting last week where they supposedly met to verify the dean’s credentials…

  The board deemed that the Dean’s credentials were indeed Kosher.

  Well, I have to say that Aaron has got me wondering now about this very issue:

  Are his credentials really aboveboard?

  I think Aaron is on to something here and I don’t want to dismiss his thinking so quickly: If a crime has been committed, it needs to be addressed immediately and maybe government agencies should be contacted ASAP.

  Perhaps no one has to wait for parents to call a public hearing with the board to start getting rid of the henchmen who are destroying the school…………..!

• 37 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:20 pm

  I guess the question remains, what was the validation process undertaken, who carried out the process and what truly were the findings.

  The rate this is going - - -NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW!

  Certainly, exposing someone who knowingly defrauded a school would certainly prevent others from being victimized.

  …and do you think at this point with everything taking place, you actually think the board would admit a mistake - - it would serve to dig a deeper hole!

• 38 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:27 pm

  I agree…that’s why we need someone outside the board to look into this matter — preferably a parent who is an attorney and is reading the blog ( and I know there are some out there) or a Hillel alum who is now an attorney…We need their help right NOW!

  Also, I’m not sure how many parents are aware of the petition (many are only returning from Pesach vacation right now) and for the ones who are aware, there are many too scared to sign because they are afraid their children will be retaliated against (a few moms already told me this).

  I know of other people who are very influential in the community but are scared to circulate the petition because they are afraid their friends on the board will get angry at them.

  Everyone is trying to work behind the scenes and we are not making progress as quickly as we need to.

  The minimal measures that are about to be implemented this week won’t be enough.

  How we can expedite the process?

• 39 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:37 pm

  Something interesting to think about!!!!

  Of course this time they hired a Jewish Headmaster!

  Hyman Brand School Survey - Results

  I find it especially interesting that the school embarked on a survery subsequent to the departure of Dr. Holden when they embarked on the search for a New Headmaster.

  The following were the Major Themes that eminated from the parent survey:

  1.Strengthen Judaic curriculum (Improve consistency among teachers and curriculum and emphasize respect for
  different approaches to Judaism)
  2. Strengthen Jewish atmosphere and spirit in the school
  3. Achieve financial stability
  4. Lower tuition/make school more affordable for our community
  5. Engage in more visible leadership/better communication with parents and key members of Jewish community
  6. Tolerance for religious differences (respect among students for one another’s differences)
  7. Examine administrative structure
  8. Establish identity for Academy
  9. Increase enrollment
  10. Ensure excellence in secular education/ability for students to gain admission to top colleges

  It should also be noted that the enrollment in the school is at a low of 260 students - -approximately 1/6 the size of the Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School and Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School!

  What would Mr. Scheck or Mr. Lipson think about our current state of affairs?

• 40 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 10:42 pm

  We should asks the Schecks who currently sit on the board.

• 41 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:09 pm

  Voice from the Past,

  I have heard the same.

  Firing her is like putting a bandaid on a gaping wound. It is a good first step, but it does not go far enough to address the monumental problems in the school.

  The others need to be fired as well.Quickly.

  I think there are legal ramifications involved and that’s the only reason why they haven’t been.

  Let’s work on finding out if the Dean’s credentials are legal…Maybe some government agency can step in and get rid of him fast.

• 42 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:20 pm

  Honestly, I beleive people are getting way out of hand with this. There are many assumptions taking place that no one really knows for a fact. I know for a fact that a lot of what people are saying is just rumors and nothing verified.

  Before we start mentioning names and specifics, we should check our sources and not make assumptions that some are implying based on their comments.

• 43 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:25 pm

  The speculation will continue until those in the know start talking to those who are being left to ruminate.

• 44 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:32 pm

  What is fact is that all of actions taking place by those entrusted to run and lead our school are serving to destroy it.

  At this point, read the site and read the paper - - or just talk to people in the community - -

  ….for the board to allow it is a shonda!

• 45 Shlomo Bolts // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:36 pm

  My dear Teacher’s Association,

  I must admit that it pained me when you said I should stop posting on this board and “get a life”. For the past four years, Hillel has been my life. Perhaps more than any other institution, Hillel has raised me up to the person that I am today. It is precisely for this reason that I wish to submit my third post total to this site, and reply to your comments.

  I agree with you regarding the “camp Hillel”. I never supported that kind of atmosphere as a student, and I don’t today. I think it reveals and stunning lack of perspective regarding the importance of education and responsibility. All the more reason to protest.

  From here, it seems that Hillel’s “vision” for the school involves a heavy dose of student disempowerment. The mission statement talks about “nurturing” the students, which is the opposite direction from the accountability and end of Camp Hillel that we both seek. Three years ago, when the last wave of firings took place and this new “vision” was announced, there were student protests similar in naure, although smaller in scale. Flyers denouncing the moves began magically appearing all over the school. The student, teacher, and parent body was seething.

  At least Mrs. Buncher (who came to power as a result of the firings) had the forthrightness and character to call an emergency assembly. This assembly was in part an attempt to explain the firings, and in part an announcement of new policies.

  I was struck by the new tone that seemed to accompany a more “nurturing” environment. Mrs. Buncher announced a new “hall moniter” policy. Basically, it meant that if you walked through the halls during classtime, you had to walk straight to the bathroom and straight back–no stopping, for any reason. Granted, this policy could have been a means to promoting discipline among students and end “camp Hillel”. But the policy was so strict, it sharply clashed with all the talk of “nurturing”. This policy makes no sense, unless you equate “nurturing” with “disempowerment”. This “nurturing” policy was a micro manifestation of macro changes that were taking place at the time, and were calculated to disempower. This disempowerment continues to this day–and based on what I’m hearing and observing, teachers and students both are the victims. Some “nurturing”.

  During the wave of firings three years ago, the student protest was diminished with divide-and-conquer. I remember when Mrs. Buncher made her talk, she urged students to “report your friends”. I also remember many, many individual meetings. The issue was not resolved with a public statement. When Mrs. Buncher attempted to explain the firings, and students protested, she ended the assembly; I think she did it so as to avoid explaining events that had no explanation. In spite of Mrs. Buncher’s forthrightness, I think she was only a mask.

  “Report your friends”? Hall moniters? I and many others strongly suspected that what was occuring was not “nurturing”, but a crackdown.

  I have no idea how the current student protests were stopped. However, I can surmise that everything was resolved in a very “nurturing” manner. Let’s put it this way: the protests didn’t stop because students got sick of protesting. I would like the Hillel Teachers’ Association to know that students have gone through the appropriate channels, and been stonewalled. They have protested with sit-ins, and been intimidated into silence.

  I agree with you, in that I, too, think this site is nonideal. All this anonymity and intrigue is most certainly not the best way to go. But given what must have happened on the ground, on Hillel’s campus, this site is the best thing we’ve got. This is a largely alumni network, set up online. The board can’t directly discipline alumni, and alumni with family in the school can post anonymously. A crackdown is impossible.

• 46 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:36 pm

  Is not specualtion. People are claming facts which are false. People are mentioning names that have nothing to do with certain sitatuation.

  Even though you are right someone does need to say something concerning the situation, speculating and claiming as fact is not the way to get it done. If it is a speculation then use words like, “maybe, possible, might.”

  I am fighting for the betterment of the school with all of you. However there are certain ways things can get done and false specualtion is not one of them.

• 47 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:40 pm

  It would be most helpful for you to take the time to clarify what you have knowledge as FACT as opposed to RUMOR - -

  If you are in the know - -Your insight would be appreciate and clarifications welcomed.

• 48 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:42 pm

  I don’t know any facts. All i know is that I don’t know any truths. However, I don’t really think that everyone has facts either. Everyone is speculating based on the events occured and I do know that things are being done.

  The specifics I don’t know. What I do know is that there is much speculation and no one really knows all the facts.

• 49 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:43 pm

  Isaac: please enlighten us so we don’t have to speculate.

  Shlomo: You seem to not realize one major thing–Mrs. Buncher herself was responsible for many of the firings–The biggest loss to our school was losing Dr. Zakon, who doesn’t need a title of Dr. because she knows more than most people I’ve ever met! Mrs. Buncher should never have fired Doctor Zakon, a truly competent administrator, teacher, and college counselor.

  Mrs. Buncher is also directly responsible for pushing Helen Gorin out–and what did they replace Helen Gorin with? No one great as far as I’ve been told.

• 50 anonymous // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:46 pm

  My understanding is that Mrs. Buncher is not returning next year.

• 51 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:48 pm

  I wish I had the knowledge to enlighten. I just think we should be a little more careful in our accusations and the people’s names we mention.

  I am all the way in Gainesville now. I do not sit on the board so I cannot speak for anyone on the board.

• 52 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:55 pm

  As far as the Dean’s accreditation,

  I just looked up California Coast University’s accreditation on a government website:

  http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDetail.asp

  The distance learning program was not accredited until Jan. 8, 2005.

  What does this mean if the Dean earned the degree BEFORE the university was accredited?
  (I’m assuming he did since he used the title “Dr.” in Kansas too prior to 2005)

  We need to know what the legal ramifications are and if he should indeed be considered a “Dr.” any longer and if any illegal activity such as fraud has been committed.

  I beseech anyone who knows how to investigate this matter to do so immediately.

  This school has already suffered enough trauma and shouldn’t have to exist even one more day in such a state of misery or chaos.

• 53 Concerned Citizen // Apr 11, 2007 at 11:57 pm

  As for Mrs. Buncher’s non-renewal or leaving of her own volition, as Justin Timberlake says “What goes around comes back around.”

• 54 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 12:29 am

  The board really knows how to pick winners!

• 55 Michael Newman // Apr 12, 2007 at 8:50 am

  A good assumption would be that whatever school the Dean received his degree from would not be in business if its students could not cite the degrees they earned from it on their resumes.

  If they could not cite their degrees on their resumes, 99% of people would not attempt to earn degrees from there.

  As the rumor mill has it (I call it the rumor mill because I still have not heard anything from the board directly) the degree did not have anything to do with his hiring. So I feel that speaking of trying to prosecute him for fraud may not be the best strategy in getting the teachers rehired and bringing about change in policy.

  Next questions: (1) How does one get on the board? Is it a democratic process (is there a vote)?
  (2) Can someone please explain the teachers’ fear in creating some sort of union. I think they have a legal right to do so.
  Let’s be serious here, the people best in a position to bring about change are the teachers themselves. As an alumni, there seems to be very little I can do to change what is going on. However as teachers at the school, current teachers can make this year’s education come to a grinding halt within 10 minutes and demand that the teachers be rehired and demand extended contracts.
  I know that there is a risk but if the teachers in truth felt so strongly about what was going on, they would ALL come together and tell the administration, “We’re not teaching ANOTHER MINUTE of this school year until our demands our met!”

  Could the administration fire EVERYONE? It seems to me that if this happened, the board/admin would have no choice but to comply or risk lawsuits from current parents who paid for a year’s-worth of education for their children and did not receive it.

  I think one of the greatest dangers is letting this issue go until the school year is over. If that happens, there will be people that lose interest over the summer. Maybe the admin/board is just trying to ride out the rest of the year. I can’t imagine any other reason for not responding the the COMMUNITY’s questions regarding the direction the school is taking.

  I think it would take one anonymous brave teacher rounding up teacher signatures on petition saying “Our demands are ….. and if they are not met, WE ARE GONE TOMORROW!” The petition should not be turned in until everyone or almost everyone signs it so that there is much more leverage. If that is not possible, than it should not be turned in at all and thus, the teachers have risked very little.

  This seems to me the most effective way to bring about an IMMEDIATE change in policy.

• 56 Michael Newman // Apr 12, 2007 at 9:01 am

  I know that the above post may sound harsh to many teachers who are still at the school. They would say, “I need to help support my family!” The truth of the matter though is that if the policies do not change, you will probably be the next to go. If my idea had been implemented years ago, there would be no current problem with rampant teacher firings without cause. If my idea is not implemented soon, there will not be enough veteran teachers (assuming there are even enough now) to back one another, making this whole strategy moot. Instead, there will be many rookie teachers who will not risk themselves for the sake of others.

• 57 Michael Newman // Apr 12, 2007 at 9:08 am

  FYI, I am pretty sure an employee cannot be fired for going on strike. Last year all the UNICCO workers went on strike at the Univesity of Miami campus for over a week. No bathrooms were cleaned, no garbage was removed etc… and guess what? They got most of their demands. Moreover, I learned that BY LAW the workers on strike could not be replaced and also that BY LAW, they had to be allowed to come back to their jobs once the strike was over. A labor attorney could further advise on workers’ rights.

• 58 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 10:13 am

  I just spoke to an attorney.

  If the dean was claiming he was a Doctor prior to 2005, he’s in big trouble.

  I need to know right now!

• 59 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 10:30 am

  Is this really the negative publicity we wan’t to add to Hillel to our school?

  Maybe instead of leading this public attack on someone, we can call him personally and get the whole story. If he has legal charges against him, there will be even more negative publicity to the school.

  I don’t think it is right the way people are handling this. I think we need to bring positive energy in positive ways to the school. We don’t need any more negative publicity.

• 60 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:07 pm

  I hate negative publicity and I would never want to ruin a school that I love…but guess what, it’s already been ruined and is in need of immediate repair, revival, and healing.

  The community has given this school over 2 weeks now to get its act together.

  So far, 1 out of 3 henchmen are gone–the one who was gone as of today was already on the way out: What about the other 2 who remain and are beyond problematic?

  These 2 have destroyed the school and will continue to destroy the school until they are gone…there is no remediating them!!!

  I have gotten phone calls from 10 different teachers who are miserable with Rabbi Druin.
  They are not in a position to come forward. And if 10 have called me personally there are probably a dozen more who haven’t but are equally miserable with this man running amok.

  Furthermore, the Dean has also wreaked havoc on the school (permission of the board or not)–he did not exercise good judgment at all!!!!Moreover, he may have committed fraudulent activity that is considered a crime in this state– if indeed he is a fraud who has committed a crime punishable by law, he has absolutely no business running a Jewish day school for even one more minute !!!!!

  I have beseeched the board several times in the last 2 weeks since the wrongful firings occurred to take serious measures to fix this mess NOW.

  And, while I applaud some of the recourse taken (i.e. the dismissal of the first henchman and appointing of R.Kaplan, a true mensch and teacher/student advocate as interim principal–He should probably be the permanent principal…), the measures taken have not gone far enough to eradicate the cancer that is spreading like a virus through the school.

  Our teachers are still miserable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Therefore, the 2 other administrators who destroyed this school need to leave and they need to leave NOW!!!

  The teachers who should not have been fired need be reinstated immediately.

  Since I don’t see this happening and have been BEYOND patient, I’m taking it to the next level–

  And I’ve got an attorney on board now who will work pro bono because it happens to be that one of the fired teachers was his teacher and he was he was horrified to learn of her fate when I told him.

  This is the last chance the board has to get rid of the other 2…I’m not playing games anymore and my patience has run out.

• 61 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:16 pm

  Michael, the teachers need to strike but they never will. They have already been cowed into submission and cannot afford to go even one week without a paycheck if the school cuts them off.

  Isaac and Michael, you both represent the best of Hillel. I want you to know that I would go to bat for you the same way I am doing for these teachers if you were ever an employee, G-d forbid, in this type of situation.

  Thankfully, neither of you will ever find yourselves in life in a situation that you cannot afford to walk away from if you had to…these teachers do not have the same resources and are not in the same situation unfortunately. That’s why they need us. You two have been actively involved from the beginning and I have only the deepest respect for you for that.

  These teachers need solutions now–there’s been way too much talk and not nearly enough action.

• 62 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:17 pm

  What you don’t seem to understand is that actions have been taken. Do you think that became public today happened overnight?

  It took weeks of work from many people to have some of the changes. Before you say that the teachers are still miserable, let them have a chance. Give Rabbi Kaplan a chance to make the necessary changes.

  How are the teachers still upset if they now answer to Rabbi Kaplan.

  You don’t have to threaten the school in public. You are not the only one upset. Changes have been made and you just want to keep on looking for more problems for the school. I am not saying these problems don’t need to be addressed, they do. However, not on such a public forum like this.

  Let’s focus on the positive changes on the school that have been made. Rabbi Kaplan is an amazing individual and he should be congratulated because he has paid his dues. He has been through the school through thick and thin. I have faith that he will be the one to bring us back to the old Hillel with Dr. Levy and Rabbi Bald.

  We need to have a little faith in the newly appointed administrator.

  “Your not playing games anymore” well neither is anyone else. It is obvious that the board has taken certain measures to have these changes approved. Nothing is going to change over night. These changes that have happened are probably just the begining of more changes to come.

  I have faith in Rabbi Kaplan- Do you?

• 63 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:38 pm

  Why haven’t the teachers been reinstated?

• 64 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:44 pm

  In light of Kohl taking her personal leave of absence, Rabbi Kaplan and Adam Holden will be reviewing ALL of the contract situations of this year.

  It will take more than overnight to review the situations. That is the way the system works.

  If you have faith in Rabbi Kaplan as I do, then I am confident he will make the right decisions.

• 65 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:56 pm

  I have full confidence in Rabbi Kaplan and I’m eagerly awaiting to hear.

• 66 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 2:59 pm

  So then let us be patient with him. He cannot make decisions over night. The chag just ended. School just began again. I urge everyone to have a little patience so Rabbi Kaplan can get himself situated.

• 67 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 3:02 pm

  ok.

• 68 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 7:24 pm

  Concerned Citizen- I would like to talk to you on the phone if you don’t mind or through e-mail.

  My e-mail address is isapoznik@aol.com and my number is 305-525-0919. Please call me if you have a chance.

• 69 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 7:41 pm

  Right now I’m not sure if this is a wise move for either of us. I don’t want the board to know who I am even though I would trust you personally with my life. Let me think about it.

• 70 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 12, 2007 at 7:47 pm

  Please think about it. Your identity is 100% safe with me. I am not on the board and I would not compromise you in any way.

  I understand your position and I hope you think about it.

• 71 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 8:03 pm

  I’d also like to thank those very few parents who are on the board or influential with the board who have been sincerely advocating for the teachers. It is a thankless job –you have generously spent days and nights dealing with this issue–and you do indeed deserve so much credit. Without you few, (and I cannot name you here, but you know who you are and many of us also know who you are but don’t want to call you out for obvious reasons), we’d be going nowhere fast. Any progress that has been made is thanks to you and I hope you realize I’m truly grateful for YOUR efforts but very angry at some others. Do not take my comments personally. One day I will be able to thank you in person.

• 72 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2007 at 10:57 pm

  It is refreshing to see this dialogue, however, it is not my belief that Rabbi Kaplan will be empowered to make the necessary changes - - they have made him a figurehead. He is the obvious choice because he is well respected and can fill the role. No one would argue with his appointment - - it is a political move.

  Again - - the current administration has not exhibited trustworthy behavior and has no integrity in my book. Perhaps you don’t share these thoughts, however, actions speak louder than words - - …..and frankly, the actions are so loud - - they are deafening.

  Again, time will tell - - but at this point my confidence in this administration and board is waning.

  It should be reiterated that no one will be able to reverse the decisions already made unless the board mandates it. They will not - - because Dr. Holden has made it very clear that if the board does not all him to administrate the school without board interference - - he will leave. Of course, that works well for the rest of us - - but the beloved search committee would have to start from scratch - -….and heaven forbid the same individuals be involved again…….

  So…..we can all stand by and watch or continue to provide opinions. This site is being monitored an it is important that everyone continue to convey their thoughts!!!!!

  Move forward swiftly and appropriately! Let’s repair our broken school!!

• 73 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 11:20 pm

  Anonymous,

  If I’m reading correctly between the lines, I think it is on its way to being done behind the scenes by the very, very few–one or two special women–who have any integrity at all.

  I’m going to be a tad patient for now– but only a tad. If no results materialize, then I will keep the fire burning under these issues until they are resolved. I do not suffer fools gladly.

• 74 Anonymous // Apr 12, 2007 at 11:33 pm

  Understood!

• 75 Concerned Citizen // Apr 12, 2007 at 11:49 pm

  Michael: You make a grave error in thinking as an alumni you can do very little. Every single one of your posts is making waves in ways that you cannot imagine. KEEP THEM COMING! SAME TO THE REST OF THE ALUMNI!

  Michael is right. Resolution must occur before the summer because over the summer everyone forgets and loses interest. That may be a strategy here. I believe Mrs. Konovitch would call it “a war of attrition”.

  As I said before, no one is going to wear me down with apathy.

  I am striking while the iron is hot. I will cool down for a bit waiting to hear that matters are indeed being resolved, and if they are not, I will continue to stoke these fires until this school is SAVED AND SAFE.

  ALUMNI AND PARENTS KEEP THESE POSTS COMING!

• 76 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 12:07 am

  I believe there are 37 SCHOOL DAYS LEFT.

  LET THE COUNT DOWN BEGIN!

• 77 Anonymous // Apr 13, 2007 at 1:02 am

  The time for action is NOW - - This administration is very calculated. They make their moves strategically and pay much attention to timing.

  They know exactly what they are doing and how they will do it. Don’t let their words speak louder than their actions. Unfortunately they do not believe that anyone is as smart as they. However, it is my belief and that of many others that this administration takes the parent body as fools and that we may be discounted.

  There is a true feeling of disappointment. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the upcoming roots to wings event and the ad journal. With the amount of apathy amongst the parents and community, it will be a long road to hoe, in undertaking and making this effort a success. What will be unfortunate is that the monies raised are for scholarships to assist families in providing their children a Jewish Education. This will domino and that is truly unfortunate.

  Every action has a consequence. Children will be the victims.

• 78 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 1:32 am

  I think you are right.

  The parents are not fools. They are no longer fighting. They are just “non-renewing” their kids next year.

• 79 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 1:52 am

  I hope the board will be comparing the numbers of this year’s enrollment to next year’s.

• 80 Isaac Sapoznik // Apr 13, 2007 at 4:09 am

  Anonymos: I respectfully disagree with you. I beleive that SINCE the administration is very calculated, it is in their best interest to do the right thing.

  Concerned citizen is right to have a little patience. Moreso right to have a tad bit patience. My patience is running out as well as everyones, however I have seen a positive letter from the board promoting Rabbi Kaplan. I truly beleive that is not simply a political move. I think Rabbi Kaplan has the opportunity to do something great.

  Like concerned citizen said, let’s have a tad bit patience.

• 81 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 7:26 am

  I was wrong with what I said. I doubt anything will change. Good luck everybody. You sure are going to need it.

• 82 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 7:28 am

  I feel really sorry for Rabbi Kaplan. I also don’t know why the fired teachers would ever want to go back to such an unappreciative place. Good luck to all.

• 83 Michael Newman // Apr 13, 2007 at 8:12 am

  Why doesn’t someone just ask Rabbi Kaplan what he has been “empowered” to do instead of all this speculation?

• 84 Anonymous // Apr 13, 2007 at 8:45 am

  Great idea!

• 85 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 11:45 am

  Perhaps Rabbi Kaplan could inform the community?

• 86 get him out // Apr 13, 2007 at 1:26 pm

  Holden’s Resume title:

  Adam C. Holden Ed.D

  Resume was distributed to Hillel’s hiring committee members (I have a copy).

  Get Him Out!!

• 87 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 4:18 pm

  PARTIAL VICTORY IS OURS

  Thanks to this website and your voices–

  Rabbi Lefkowitz, Mrs. Heber, and Mrs. Galitzer have been reinstated and their requests were granted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 88 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 4:38 pm

  Dear Get Him Out,

  I believe that although the degree was granted by an unaccredited school, the university had already been approved by the California Board of Ed…

  I am not positive of this fact so if you want to research it and let us know that would be great.

  If the university was indeed approved by the California Board of Ed. then we don’t have a case.

  If it was not, then a crime has been committed and we need to speak.

  I believe, however, that the degree is now a non-issue.

• 89 get him out - FAST // Apr 13, 2007 at 4:50 pm

  Sure you have a case:

  look at :

  Are Qualified Administrators Making the Decisions at Hillel?

  From March 13

• 90 Concerned Citizen // Apr 13, 2007 at 4:59 pm

  I am quite familiar with that thread.

  What did I miss ?

  Help me.

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