Note: Like many things said on this website, these views are not my own. Do not come to me to ask me to remove this post.
An anonymous parent writes in:
As we move forward towards the upcoming meeting, there are several underlying issues worthy of review.
According to NAIS (National Association of Independent schools) best practices in the hiring process are outlined as follows: In performing its due diligence, the school performs appropriate background and reference checks to validate a candidate’s education and employment history, focusing on the ability of the individual to fulfill the professional duties of the position and to confirm the individual’s suitability to work with children.
..it should be noted WE ARE A JEWISH SCHOOL – NOT just a private INDEPENDENT school; this is intended as a best practice guide.
Academic integrity and integrity in general is paramount and should be a priority to any institution. The hiring committee and/or the human resource office did not undertake the due diligence to validate the information on the CV is absurd and grossly negligent. These people are on our campus with our children. Do they not perform formal background checks, validate education etc. – - did they not check references or speak with the prior board of the school last school (Hyman Brand)? This is not just for the Head of School but also the Associate Head of School/Judaic counterpart. If due diligence was undertaken, it is evident that it was not thorough enough!
How can our board expect someone with no apparent Yiddishkeit fulfill the professional duties of a Jewish Community Day School? What due diligence was undertaken in the validation and verification of the degrees noted in the resume. Think about that!
Additionally, it notes:
The Candidate’s Obligations: The candidate discloses all information that is necessary for the school to make a well-informed decision.
Was our head of school forthright in placing this diploma mill degree on his CV? Or was it a deceptive tactic employed to make his resume stick out above the other candidates since it truly was not a requirement for the position? You make the call.
Other prinicipals include: The primary responsibility of the head of an independent school is to carry out the school’s stated mission.
How can someone who does not have a full religious understanding of such missions achieve and accomplish this goal? You decide.
Even the NAIS, in its best practices speaks about what a search committee should do:
The search committee should actively solicit the names of the best available candidates drawn from a broad candidate group without regard to age, race, religion, gender, or national origin unless the school has a religious mission that requires the head to have a particular religious affiliation.
As far as most of us know, this was a requirement of the dean – MUST BE JEWISH. The Search Committee did not engage in such a practice and circumvented the policy by changing the name to “HEAD OF SCHOOL.”
Teacher morale is very low; they are living in fear of their jobs. This is the worst situation in many, many years. Many feel they are not being respected by administration and are not being treated well. They have been verbally threatened by administration that there will be consequences from speaking with parents about the inner workings of the school. It is a difficult and uncomfortable environment in which to work. There are many long-standing teachers who are affected by these tactics – they are very unhappy! …and this affects the classroom and students – how can it not?
Several parents, board members, and Students, from Hyman Brand academy have posted openly through the website conveying similar tactics and situations that were caused by Dr. Holden at their school. Apparently, history is repeating itself. These individuals have nothing to gain from conveying this information – they have no stake in our school – but they care enough to notify us accordingly. There must be some validity to this information. Think about it – wouldn’t you want to help out your fellow Jews? By not understanding history, perhaps we know better than any other group, it will repeat itself.
Upon the resignation of the elementary school principal, the Head of School appointed the ECE principal to the be the successor. However, this individuals credentials do not qualify her for the position as she has absolutely no elementary teacher, principal, or curriculum experience. This individual is NOT appropriate credentialed or experienced for such a role. No active search was performed. Is that appropriate?
In another perceived deceptive move, Rabbi Kaplan was promoted to Interim High School principal upon the unexpected early departure of Chaya Kohl. Though her departure was welcomed, the promotion of Rabbi Kaplan was an effort by the administration and board to try and allay fears and issues. In fact, after the announcement of the interim promotion, which was well received by all – - parents, teachers, and alumni, it was discovered that Dr. Holden had already hired his buddy from Kansas (another coach) to be the new principal of the High School. The hopes of Rabbi Kaplan staying on as principal and this interim role becoming permanent were immediately extinguished. Take NOTE!
The manner in which the board is communicating or not communicating with the parent body, community etc is unacceptable. The continued downplay of the information of the website, the intimidation tactic of a board member’s partner serving the site administrator with a cease and desist order and telling the admin to have the individuals who embarked on the parent letter campaign to immediately stop were utterly ridiculous. This is a free country and it the parents of the school wish to embark on a letter campaign to notify others of the issues, why would this be of major concern to the board if there was nothing to hide. The school immediately removed the class lists and board of governor meeting dates etc from the school website – stating Privacy Issues. It was not a Privacy issue, just the issue to attempt to shut down the dissent from what is being done at the school. There was fear that the letter campaign will open more eyes to what is truly taking place. Again, this is another attempt by the administration and board to create these intimidation and secrecy issues. Is this the school we have our children attend?
There are also issues with Associate Head of School/Judaic and the manner in which he engages or does not engage with the faculty and parents. His condescending manner is disliked by many of the faculty, staff, and parents. No one seems to know the purpose he serves at the school. He is disrespectful to those who are not considered upper escelon or important. Others don’t matter. Do YOU?
Apparently, the board has communicated that it will only entertain those people who identify themselves. The FBI, police department, and other government agencies encourage and take action on anonymous complaints and observations. If it is good enough for the government, it should be good enough for the school.
Parents will not identify themselves for fear of retaliation. They do not want their children to have any issues. Teachers and staff members will not and cannot identify themselves as their livelihoods are at stake. They have been warned on more than one occasion about conveying their dissenting opinions or speaking outside of the school. Additionally, some of these fears have been addressed by those Hyman Brand posts to the blog site.
If the board truly wants to fix the issues, they should have an open meeting and be forced to address the issues. The issues have been conveyed and the questions should merely be answered in a board meeting – -people should not be forced to ask – the board should address them as they have been posed. There are even board members posting anonymously as they are in fear of not being included in future meetings or losing their stature with the current board.
There are many alumni who care about this school and are actively posting. The continued downplay and disrespect to them is abominable. The board needs to understand that the alumni are the lifeline of the school. They are the best marketing and can be tremendous assets to philanthropy – - ask any university…. They can tell you. The manner in which our alums are being treated by the administration is awful! Alumni – we love you – keep up your valiant efforts – you were well taught to stand up for what you believe.
The inactivity on the part of the board is serving to hurt the school via the negative publicity throughout the community. The non-renewal of the faculty and the manner in which it was performed, has sent a clear message to the community. Honestly, how can we expect to replace these teachers. There isn’t a sane person in the South Florida community that would want to take a job at a school that performs evaluations and dismissal practices in such a manner. With the teacher shortage that exists in our state, it is apparent that not much thought was taken when these acts were performed. Can’t imagine what they did to not be renewed. Granted three may have been rehired (people advocated for them)….and what happened to the rest? Were others renewed?
These are disturbing issues that conveniently took place immediately after all renewal contracts were due from the parent for the next school year. These types of decisions and acts (example – merging the preschool and elementary school) should have been communicated prior to everyone signing contracts and committing to renewal not after. Is this forthright?
Internalize and think about some of these issues that are affecting our school and our beloved faculty.
Reading this should insight everyone to take a stand and take action. Show up for the annual parent meeting. Maybe this will be an opportunity to ask questions and address the issues. MAYBE?? or maybe not – after all – the HEAD OF SCHOOL does not like to be questioned!!!
Show up and stand up for our children, our teachers, and our school!!! Your presence is requested, welcomed, and encouraged!!! The only way to effectuate change is to make it happen. SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY!
71 responses so far ↓
1 sara // May 10, 2007 at 3:08 pm
To anonymous parent: To what you have so eloquently stated, I would add only the information about grade six becoming part of middle school—that this decision, too, seems to have been made without researching the issue. The latest research (February 2007)– a study from Duke University– addresses the compostion of middle schools. (This research is posted on this site).
Is it possible to make copies of your letter and hand it to parents in the carpool line? Or if distribution cannot be done on school grounds, you can hand it to parents just outside of the fence and/or at the Hillel gate (middle/high school entrance) in the JCC parking lot.
2 Adam // May 10, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Just so it is known by putting class lists on the website Hillel was in Violation of FERPA which is federal law protecting the privacy of the students and was made to keep them safe. I should know since I work and have worked in a few high school and college (including Hillel) and FERPA does apply to Hillel. So on that point they did do the correct thing.
3 Anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I can draft another, shorter version of the letter that was supposed to be mailed and post it if someone wants to take the time to hand it out in the carpool line to parents the way the EX EXEC board member suggested.
4 anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 5:43 pm
There is no objection to adding the 6th grade. Point well taken.
As far as FERPA: The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education and do not know if the school receives such funding – don’t think so.
Feel free to proceed – that was the purpose of the document – -
SPREAD THE WORD!!
5 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // May 10, 2007 at 5:53 pm
REPUTATION IS WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE; CHARACTER IS WHAT YOU ARE.
As educators, we teach our students the difference between “tattling” and “telling”, especially in regard to bullying. “Tattling”, simply put, is repeating an incident just for the sake of meaningless “gossip”. “Telling”, on the other hand, is repeating information to protect others from potential harm. It is the latter of these two concepts that prompted me to recount the following incidents. I was there…no conjecture, just the plain truth. .
I have heard the words “charm” and “charisma”, and his being G-d’s gift to Jewish Education when describing him…Dr. Holden. Obviously, in the proper sectors, he has used these skills, and this is how is attained his various administrative positions. Unfortunately, Dr. Holden left all of his charm, charisma, and gifts next to his Idiot’s Guide to Judaism. Instead, at one faculty meeting, teachers heard a voice that was dripping with sarcasm, highly derisive and extremely condescending.
The meeting was based on the lengthening of the school day for the following year. Whenever anyone voiced a concern about longer hours, with no compensation, they were told that they were welcome to leave. In fact, he offered to call other day schools to see if their hours would better accommodate the needs of one of our veteran teachers. Dr. Holden’s words and body language were so harsh that the feeling was that perhaps he forgot …he was speaking to professionals! This posture and tone was something to which the Hillel faculty was certainly not accustomed. This was a first. A head of school using his positional power to bully the teachers. What nerve!! And unheard of … that is, until now.
The aura that Dr. Holden displayed that day, and most days, is cold, indifferent and sarcastic…definitely not a good role model for his office staff or for the leader of a religious school that prides itself on a nurturing environment
One comment, from a parent in Kansas, who sent a letter to the editor of the
Florida Jewish News really hit home. The contributor’s wife resigned from the board of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. One of the reasons for her resignation was that she took issue with Dr. Holden’s “rough handling” of teacher relations. Right on!! History certainly does repeat itself.
At another meeting, Dr. Holden commented on a decision concerning the High School dress code for Purim. He was trying to convey to the faculty that he had nothing to do with that decision. In a feeble attempt to use his “charm” and “charisma” his reply was and I am paraphrasing,”Heck, I don’t even know how to spell Purim”. There is an old adage, “Many a truth is said in jest”. The underlying theme here is that it is not important to really understand the “culture” of his environment…for him, this is just a business.
At a subsequent meeting, now Rabbi Druin took center stage. Good, finally a religious figure, a person with a real soul to whom teachers can talk and express their feelings…WRONG AGAIN! When voicing concerns about the longer day, salaries, etc., the faculty got the same rhetoric. Once again, the feeling was, “If it doesn’t fit, you are welcome to quit.” But, this time Rabbi Druin used a more novel approach. While holding up his hands, to kind of form a box, he repeatedly told the group that if they didn’t fit within the “parameters” of the job description…well, you know the rest! I guess that if he thought teachers didn’t quite get the word “parameter” he would provide them with a visual representation of the hopeless box that the faculty was in. He repeated this whole process so many times; staff members were embarrassed for him! This is a good case in point. If a parent voiced his/her dissatisfaction with the school, would he have given them the same “open door” response that he gave our teachers? I don’t think so!
I don’t think that the faculty feels that they are in a nurturing environment as the mission statement promises. I don’t think that any of the faculty has much faith in the “powers that be” any more. How could they? The teachers seem to be the first to be insulted, the first to be affected by budget cuts, and the last to be compensated both financially and emotionally.
One more point. In the March issue of The Florida Jewish News, board Chair, Rafael Russ was quoted, “ We are dealing with teachers who were not accustomed to being watched and evaluated” The tone and the message is all wrong. First of all, the message. Teachers have always been evaluated, just check the files. They are filled with evaluations that were more narrative in nature, not just a checklist. In regard to the tone, “Dealing with”… perhaps a better choice of words?
In an attempt to try and remedy some of the above issues, here are some suggestions:
1. Just as religion and politics, business and education just don’t mix. The motives may be different, and one’s needs may not satisfy the others. Kind of a conflict of interest. Our school, as we have been told many times, is being run as a business. This implies that children and staff are commodities valued mostly by the dollar. We can see that this system just doesn’t work. Once again, perhaps Dr. Holden may be savvy in balancing the budget, but his diplomacy with staff…well politely said, “needs refinement”.
2. Teacher evaluations should be used to reflect upon and reinforce good teaching techniques. Instead, this year the “haphazard” system Hillel used served only to demoralize, divide, and degrade. For the sake of expediency, accuracy was totally ignored. How can these results be touted and taken seriously? Authentic evaluation takes more time, consistency, and evaluator training.
3. Perhaps we should also examine the top-heavy administrative and office staff. And since Dr. Holden’s arrival the offices look really nice (take a look)! Meanwhile, the classrooms are in dire need of face- lifts. The mentality seems backward, in total disarray (just as one of your contributors so aptly wrote). Shouldn’t the classrooms be state of the art (for the children) and the office “space” be just that? Everything at Hillel seems “topsy-turvy”. Someone with a true vision needs to examine the trenches and fix what is important.
4. There should be teacher representation on the board. As a group, teachers feel disenfranchised, not at all in keeping with the term “stakeholders in education”. Isn’t equal representation one of the fundamentals of a democracy?
Dr. Holden has, through his charm and charisma, given the board a false sense of security regarding his character and his commitment. At this time, I think both his character and his commitment are highly questionable. Please, those of you that have placed your trust in the hands of “G-d’s gift to Jewish Education”, step back, look at the chaos, and ask yourself …WHY?
Very sincerely,
A Hillel Teacher’s Association “Wanna-Be” member
6 Another teacher // May 10, 2007 at 7:11 pm
You forgot to mention the meeting in which he threatened the entire faculty (preschool -12) with dismissal if they responded negatively to statements on a questionnaire that is part of a study. I do not recall if the study focused on private schools or religious schools. Does not matter. While the questionnaires are supposed to be confidential, the person completing the questionnaire provides such data as number of years at the institution, department, etc.— not diffucult to determine who is who…….
If anyone who is reading this wonders why no questionnaire-related dismissals took place, it is because the teachers did not fill out the questionnaire. They promptly threw it in the trash.
7 Bambi // May 10, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Yes.
Although one teacher today was in tears over the anxious state of contracts, again.
8 mental health // May 10, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Oh, you noticed that also?
I know a teacher who is job interviewing and is being told that there are too many schools in the resume`.
9 anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 9:17 pm
As you can see, there is validity to the madness being posted on this site.
Teachers, encourage your colleagues to continue to validate this work we are doing!
It is for you and the children we continue to fight so hard! Stand TALL – - we will support you. We know this is all true – -
….and anyone who does not believe or thinks that this is not true – - it sure would be a heck of a story to make up.
10 Anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 10:37 pm
This is the best post I’ve read to date. It succinctly, incisively addresses all of the salient and pertinent issues we are struggling to see rectified.
A shorter version of this post should be distributed to parents.
11 Anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Bambi seems like a fairytale to me ô¿ô
12 Hillel Teacher for too many years // May 10, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Every word is pure truth
13 anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 11:18 pm
GO FOR IT! COPY AND PASTE AND PRINT IT FOR THE TEACHERS AND PARENTS – DISTRIBUTE –
Perhaps the board can be enlightened and be prepared to comment.
Perhaps this is some good material for Mr. Frier.
14 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 5:57 am
The Board has proven their cowardice and lack of good judgment. The only solution is to replace them.
15 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 6:00 am
Can anyone share what happened last night at the big event? Curious about the state of our school address………
16 anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 6:48 am
Remember, the only board seats to be replaced are those on the parent and non-parent board. The officer roles are not being replaced. It is the Exec board that has the big meetings and makes many of the decisions – that is the group that met at the school last Thursday and no communications were provided.
Therefore, dissemination of this important information must also be done!
17 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 7:22 am
At what point in time do the Exec board members ever get replaced?
Some of them have been there forever.
18 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 7:25 am
I think there are two current parent board members who need to replace 2 of the Exec ones
19 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 7:26 am
How can that be made to happen?
20 another mom // May 11, 2007 at 8:02 am
A movie analogy:
The great and powerful OZ –
Dr. Holden, cowering behind a curtain because he can’t find his way back to Kansas, instilling fear with threats and intimidation
The munchkins –
Disinfranchised teachers, parents, sudents, afraid of retribution if they speak up
The tin man, lion, and scarecrow –
Our Executive Board, who have the courage, brains, and heart to do the right thing but are not using these gifts and talents
And the heroine of the story –
our Dorothy –
the administrator of this blog, who is possibly the smartest, bravest, and most full of heart of anyone involved in this drama…
Dorothy taught us
“There’s no place like home”
and our site administrator is protecting her Hillel home
Go back to Kansas, Dr. Holden. You are clearly not the appropriate leader for this group of munchkins!!!!
21 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 9:02 am
He can take Toto with him.
22 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 9:04 am
Toto = TB
23 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 11:33 am
You know you’ve gone wack when you start comparing the school to the Wizard of Oz
ha!
24 another mom // May 11, 2007 at 11:51 am
Don’t like that one?
How about Beauty and the Beast?
I think we all could use a little comic relief at this point!
25 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 11:56 am
Or maybe some psychiatric therapy?
26 Bambi // May 11, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Naw, we’ve got plenty of mental health.
We just need the right focus.
27 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Topsy Turvy. Upside down. Black is white. White is black. 2 +2 = 5. The Ministry of Peace promotes harmony and fraternity among the Brotherhood. Sure! They’ve thrown everything out of whack and now we’re all feeling a bit wacky. A return to order and sane values would do a world of good. We will work hard to turn things back rightsideup
28 Mindy // May 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Post 26: Not feeling very good about it now—”turning things back rightsideup.” Does not look promising.
29 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 2:00 pm
How did the propoganda-fest go last night? The few who care need to find a way to circulate the truth if change is to take place — the majority are in denial.
30 sara--From CAJE Home Page // May 11, 2007 at 2:28 pm
“The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) is deeply committed to Jewish continuity and renewal through quality formal and informal Jewish education.
As a central agency, profoundly dedicated to the unswerving pursuit of educational excellence, CAJE is devoted to creating, fostering and nurturing a community of Jews with deep knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Jewish traditions, culture, values and heritage.
Through its extensive network of day schools, early childhood programs, congregational schools and adult education programs, CAJE endeavors to create an exciting and meaningful renaissance for Jewish living and learning in the Greater Miami Jewish Community.”
“CAJE is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation”
Where is our community of Jews?
31 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 4:05 pm
The majority of this community is non-intellectual, apathetic, and could care less. They buy into the superficial image. Someone looks the parts and acts the part…that’s good enough for them.
The marketing company the school has hired is sure doing a heck of a job spinning the right PR image I guess.
32 another veteran teacher // May 11, 2007 at 4:39 pm
That seems to leave us at the very start. Other than reinstating 3 teachers, we have nothing to show for our efforts. Maybe june 6 will change all that.
33 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 5:12 pm
TELL EVERY PARENT YOU KNOW TO BE THERE TO VOTE. THAT IS THE ONLY HOPE!
34 anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 5:55 pm
To change executive board, must be on the board for a period of 2 years.
We must band together to break the cult! Unfortunately, these people become mesmerized by his articulate and eloquent rhetoric. They can no longer see the forest through the trees. It is a true shame.
June 6 will hopefully open their eyes.
35 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 6:11 pm
It will happen and we will prevail.
36 anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Yasher Koach! Shabbat Shalom!
37 sara-- // May 11, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Anonymous #34: Hopefully you know something the rest of do not….you sound quite optimistic.
Good Shabbos.
38 Anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 7:04 pm
We will prevail.
39 Bambi // May 11, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Three teachers out of fourteen….not enough!
40 anonymous // May 11, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Positive thinking energizes positive action!!!
41 Bambi // May 11, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Then of course there are those who are resigning in order to leave the area….
42 sara-- // May 12, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Link to SACS N0n-Public School Standards:
See especially 5.7, 5.11, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1, 11.3
http://www.sacscasi.org/region/standards/nonpublic2004.pdf
43 Anonymous // May 12, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Parents:
I don’t know about you, but I am becoming more and more angry with the continuing support given by the board to the head of school. After hearing all that has been said by parents, teachers, students, and alumni, they continue in their claim that he is some kind of gift to this school. They have hijacked our school away from its mission, have hijacked the bylaws and traditions to bring in a non-Jew to run a Jewish school, and have destroyed any sense of decent workplace conditions among the staff. They refuse to acknowledge any error in judgment in their selection, and, even worse, refuse to face their accusers. Those who continue to support the head of school are cowards who won’t tolerate debate and can’t admit that they made a mistake.
When Dr. Barbieri was brought in as interim head, I was not happy that he was not Jewish. But at least Dr. B. was an educated man who could quote our great sages as easily as he quoted other scholars. He showed great respect for our school and traditions.
The current head is an embarrassment. He writes nonsense in the Kol Hillel every week. He cares nothing for our students, teachers, community, traditions, or Jewish way of life. The testimony on this site confirms this.
Hillel is now an embarrassment to our community. A bunch of Jews who had to beg a non-Jewish administrator to please take control of us because we can’t manage ourselves. Can you imagine – the People of the Book admitting that we don’t know how to run a school?
What message is being sent to our children by telling them that no Jew is capable of running our school?
No teacher of any value will come to Hillel now that they know how they will be treated. Who will be teaching our children next year?
And what will our children be learning? Does anyone have any faith in the judgment of the current leadership?
To the Executive Board:
Wake up! Admit that you made a mistake and that the current head of school is not the right leader. Give us a Jewish Dean. Let our children be inspired by a Jewish leader. Restore a decent working environment for our valued teachers. Forget your ridiculous nationwide searches and look at the talent that is right under your nose. Stop trying to grease the PR machine and impress the outside world with a well-dressed British-accented tanned athlete. Give us a Rabbi with derech eretz who can provide a model of integrity, kavod, and menschlekite. Let our children be led and inspired by one of our own.
I could care less about IB programs in the high school. That’s not why I send my children to Hillel.
44 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // May 13, 2007 at 7:51 am
Dear “Anonomous” , May 12 posting,
I feel your anger. I think that we all do. Your words were few, but so powerful, and so true. The current leadership is unlike anything that we have ever had before. Once again, all the issues that you posed are of tremendous importance, but one key issue stands above the rest. He has damaged and insulted our faculty. No decent human being, regardless of their religion or educational philosophy would ever do that. Dr. Holden and perhaps Rabbi Druin need to gracefully step down so that we can restore what we had at Hillel…Peace.
45 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 8:41 am
Bravo! YES!
Thank you for writing a solid, meaningful post delving to the core of the issue and the original post.
Additionally, as we allow this man to continue to feed the rhetoric – perhaps the board should note what the Hyman Brand school had to employ as the new theme to hire their new head master after HOLDEN’s departure.
It has an eerie message and underlying tone – -one that our school will soon need to adopt unless this board wakes up!
Strengthen Judaic curriculum (Improve consistency among teachers and curriculum and emphasize respect for different approaches to Judaism)
. Strengthen Jewish atmosphere and spirit in the school
Achieve financial stability
Lower tuition/make school more affordable for our community
Engage in more visible leadership/better communication with parents and key members of Jewish community
Tolerance for religious differences (respect among students for one another’s differences)
Examine administrative structure
Establish identity for Academy
Increase enrollment
Ensure excellence in secular education/ability for students to gain admission to top colleges
It is apparent that some of these will need to be adopted at HILLEL in the near future if the board does not acknowledge the issues that have been caused by the current Head of School.
46 Bambi // May 13, 2007 at 9:07 am
I am never hypnotized by anything cultish but what I have seen worries me.
Cynicism has its place…except in matters of faith.
I have faith that Hillel will get through this eye of the needle…what emerges will be changed. Experiencing this is putting all of this to the test.
The test can have tears with it.
47 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:59 am
Parents, Board, and Teachers:
I call your attention to a very important comment posted on the following link #17: http://www.savehillel.com/2007/05/where-are-we-now/
Comment #17.
Another deceptive move – - contracts were provided to teachers and THEN they were informed of the elongated work hours without additional pay.
Board members: Would any of you sign such agreements? Or would you pay your high priced lawyers to refute them. Our teachers do not have the financial means to undertake such tactics. Have you no Conscience?
WE MUST STAND UP FOR OUR BELOVED TEACHERS! THEY ARE CRYING OUT FOR OUR HELP.
48 I just don't get it // May 13, 2007 at 10:34 am
Still waiting to see if a new slate was submitted Friday and if so who’s on it.
Anyone???
49 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 11:15 am
New slate was submitted. Very significant people on it. Parents better show up to vote. Spread the word.
50 Hillel Teacher (more than 7 years) // May 13, 2007 at 11:32 am
Correction to your post (#47) to my post (link #17: http://www.savehillel.com/2007/05/where-are-we-now/
We were informed about the additonal time. We were NOT informed about the SPECIFIC times. We were told that we may not even know the hours until we return in August. We HAD to sign a paper (included with the contract) indicating acknowlegment of time-on-campus extension.
The issue is NOT knowing the hours. What about respect for other commitments– for Hillel teachers who are also parents of young children–those who need to make baby sitter, carpoool and/or after-school activities arrangements and for Hillel teachers who are employed elsewhere.
51 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Why in G-d’s name did you all sign your lives away?
52 Bambi // May 13, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I am still trying to figure out next year…
53 August is hot // May 13, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Still no contract. Have been told by other schools that the contract situation is odd and contracts are always offered unless there is a problem (responded by showing my reviews).
This begs the question (and my spouse has been nagging me about it): why am I still a teacher if I am being treated like a piece of garbage?
And what if a contract does come? Do I really want to teach in a divided school?
Sure, I could; if I never talked to anyone and hid in my classroom. That’s no security either.
My brother in law informs me that as Florida is a ‘right to work’ state the employer only gives you the right to work if they feel like it.
And, I am told, that if your employer finds out anything even slightly negative they can dump you very easily.
At any time during the first three years. Speaking of which, I am informed that the first three years are considered “probationary” at any school where you are teaching.
That is not right.
54 jonah // May 13, 2007 at 1:33 pm
http://www.ballmanfirm.com/Wrongful_Termination_article.shtml
http://www.ballmanfirm.com/Employment_law_article_1.shtml
http://www.ballmanfirm.com/Employment_article_employee.shtml
55 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:25 pm
To poster # 53
In what division of the school do you teach – elementary, middle, or high? Were you informed you were getting a contract? If not, were you informed that you were not getting one?
This is the very lack of respect we are attempting to demonstrate to the board members – - it is these types of actions and so many others that are unconscionable.
Thank you – - we hope that the issue is resolved in an expedient manner.
56 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:42 pm
That’s a high school teacher who is posting above
57 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:45 pm
anonymous in posting 55 (that is: lower case anonymous with no underline who has so eloquently kept all of the issues at the forefront of this battle), the individuals on the new slate are DYING to know who you are and enlist your aid (if you are not already on that slate yourself but just prefer to remain anonymous right now)
58 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 9:59 pm
A number of postings are by “anonymous.” hopefully, when the new slate is posted, the one or ones you want will get in touch with the necessary people (or perhaps he/she knows a way now to contact the necessary people).
59 August is hot // May 13, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Poster #55
Was told when everyone was told no on contract.
Have been dealing with the rollercoaster; most days are okay emotionally.
Getting a job lined up for the Fall, that’s a challenge!
Unless things at Hillel change I will be forced elsewhere.
60 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Remember the goal – - – WAKE UP AND SHAKE UP THE BOARD!!!
THE COMMUNITY IS WATCHING – -AND SO IS THE MEDIA!!!!
Marketing firms cannot outweigh the COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION!
61 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 11:07 pm
I hope the community is doing more than watching……
62 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 11:12 pm
yes–many are posting anonymously but I’m referring to our star anonymous poster who dominates the blog–
G-d bless!!!
I hope that person is on the slate !
63 sad parent // May 14, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Here is the current list of opening for teaching positions as of today:
TEACHERS Hillel Day School in N. Miami Beach seeks exp. teachers for the 2007/2008 school year in the following areas: H.S.- Science, English, Math, Librarian; M.S.- Science, Social Studies; Elem. Computers, Science & Instrumental Music. We offer comp. salary & benefits. Email resumes to………
Interesting, and scary that so many positions are still open at this date.
64 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Agreed…..and frankly – who would want to apply at a school where the teachers are not appreciated except by the parents?
Perhaps the administration and board should have thought of this prior to instituting their inappropriate review and termination procedures.
…or perhaps they intend on hiring inexperienced teachers who do not have an dual curriculum background to provide a warm body. That is what several parents of elementary aged students experienced this year. They spent their good money and received little to nothing in return due to the inability of these teachers to perform. They were set up for failure.
Who suffered? The students!
but then again, these new teachers help the bottom line, or do they?
It cannot be reiterated enough that our experienced teachers are our lifeblood at this school. They must be appreciated, respected, and retained!
No if, ands, or buts about it!!!
….and what does the school intend to do if these positions are not filled – is the Head of School teaching all of them? Without State Licensure?
Parents, speak up – - now is the time!
65 a teacher // May 14, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Most of the remaining teachers are seeking employment elsewhere. Just because they haven’t left yet doesn’t mean they will be there next year. But, Hillel won’t need so many teachers because they won’t have so many students in the high school.
66 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 7:07 pm
That is an awful thought.
If this does not awaken the board, honestly, who knows what will?
It has been evident since the beginning that this was going to happen. In his first address, prior to even commencing his employment, the Head of School indicated that many people would leave. So, obviously, this was his plan. Hence, the dramatic increase in tuition to cover the shortfalls.
Not everyone is as dumb and unaware as he would like to think!
Board and potential board members – take note!
67 August is hot // May 14, 2007 at 7:56 pm
When the time ripens….
68 mental health // May 15, 2007 at 11:16 pm
You know, resumes are hard to write.
69 bambi // May 19, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Not only are resumes tough but interviewing is worse.
70 good wolf // May 19, 2007 at 10:59 pm
rejection letters after interviews are hard to take…
71 bambi // May 23, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Sometimes the perfect job is out of reach…