This was emailed in:
Our Mission
We are dedicated to applying our passion, heartfelt commitment, and experience toward helping Hillel achieve the great role it should have in educating the future leaders of our Jewish community. Our goal is to facilitate communication with and build bonds between the Board of Governors, Administration, teachers, parents, students, and alumni as we take our school forward into the years ahead. We will remain dedicated to Hillel’s purpose as a Jewish school and work as a team to ensure that all constituent voices are heard and understood as we all work together to achieve positive results.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW SLATE AND ITS MEMBERS PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK:
Please spread the word to all interested parties. The vote takes place on June 6th. Thank you for your support!
250 responses so far ↓
1 anonymous // May 21, 2007 at 8:49 am
It is wonderful to see the new slate. Kol Hakavod! Best of Luck! We will support you!
However, one question….
How are the 2 individuals who are actually on the slate for Secretary and Treasurer able to do that - -are they current board members? The By-Laws indicated that in order to be on the executive board, the individuals needed to serve on the governing board for a period of two years.
Please clarify!
2 In all fairness... // May 21, 2007 at 9:15 am
That’s only to be chair or vice-chair. Secretary & treasurer can be new board members.
3 Conflict of Interest? // May 21, 2007 at 10:06 am
I think the new slate is great. Fanny is also a fantastic addition to the slate and I think will be a major factor in the push for some change.
My only concern is that there is one person on the slate who teaches at another Jewish Day School. Not to say that they are not qualified or do not have the right to be on the slate, but might it not be construed as a conflict of interest having a teacher for another “competing” school serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Hillel? I point this out because I feel this is one criticism that may come up when the new slate is presented.
4 Anonymous // May 21, 2007 at 10:50 am
That teacher will be working in the public school system at Krop next year.
5 In all fairness... // May 21, 2007 at 11:10 am
Then it should be made clear that the teacher will be teaching in the public school system, and not at another Jewish day school
6 Conflict of Interest? // May 21, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Okay, I then there is no problem with that. My ONLY concern is that it would look odd that a teacher at another Orthodox Jewish day school would be seeking a seat on the board of a school that is not hers. Being that she is going to be teaching in the public school system, I wouldn’t see any issues with that. While in the same field, there is no direct competition there.
Best of luck to the slate!
7 sara // May 21, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Please explain president/chairman and executive vice chairman postitions. Both are starred (up for renewal or election). Does renewal mean elected again to same position? If not renewed, who is eligible to be elected to these positions?
8 Mindy-- They are trying too hard // May 21, 2007 at 5:02 pm
End of school year in a few weeks. Many many holidays behind us. And now, a “first.”
An email from Rabbi Druin. “Inspiring words” for Shavuot and a “not-so-hidden” message of unity:
“Dear Faculty, Staff and Administration,
The Talmud tells us that the unity the Jewish people experienced on Mount Sinai was in fact an essential prerequisite to receiving the Torah.
On behalf of the administration, I wish you all a Chag Sameach. While we enjoy the break, let’s reflect on how we stand together and share a commitment to provide an inspiring Jewish education for all of our students.”
So many other Yom Tovs that were never acknowledged. . .
Thank you for all that you do.
9 In all fairness... // May 21, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Renewal means they are being elected to the same positions. Since no one is running against them, you can bet that they will be renewed. The ones in question are Sec and Treas, since they are being challenged.
10 sara // May 21, 2007 at 10:05 pm
thank-you for the clarification.
11 WOW GREAT NEW SLATE! // May 22, 2007 at 9:24 am
We the parent’s of THE JEWISH HILLEL DAY SCHOOLare so proud of you all for getting a new slate. Hillel needs you more than ever. It’s time new people get on the board. Parent’s make sure you vote on June 6,2007 and get all your friends to come and vote for the New Slate. It will be nice to have all these new board members on Board. This New Board will know how to run A Jewish Hillel Community Day School.Please go to the new slate website at www.Hillel4change.org and get all to vote for the new board on JUNE 6, 2007.
12 Hillel Teacher // May 22, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I am so pleased to see the list of well-meaning, dedicated- in- the- past- to- Hillel, non-push-over, non-cult-following NEW SLATE members. Some teachers are spreading the word to get parents to vote on June 6th for the NEW SLATE. It worries me that we’re not reaching enough parents. Just a campaign suggestion: Can the NEW SLATE and its supporters (parents and alumni) create a flier, which specifically states how you are DIFFERENT from some of the present board members and what specific GOALS or CHANGES you have in mind for SAVING HILLEL? Can these fliers be distributed by you, your supporters, or alumni, at all carpool areas, prior and up to June 6th? Perhaps, you can reach more parents this way.
13 good wolf // May 24, 2007 at 9:40 am
Here’s a little interesting tid-bit:
http://www.educatorscollaborative.com/search.html?WhatYear=2006&display=comdisplay
our fearless leader makes an appearence….
14 DEBBI // May 24, 2007 at 8:50 pm
With all the respect for the new slate this teacher who want to get back at Hillel, shouldn’t be among the new members. What’s intersts she has with Hillel????
We need a new fresh start with people with experience not with revenge. With people who care for Hillel not GOSSIP.
We are very happy with Fanny and Jill and Denise and Mrs. Kahn, those weman can change alot in the futher at Hillel-KOL HAKAVOD.
15 Anon // May 24, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Her interests are better than that of many of the people on this board, so I’m totally standing behind her.
Who cares if she is at another school? Using this argument, I could ask: What about the current board members who don’t have any ties with Hillel at all?
Some people can still have golden hearts and not be associated with the school in a teaching capacity.
16 Mindy // May 24, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Re: post #14: Is the new slate elected as a whole?
17 anonymous // May 24, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Debbi:
The Board did not call back the current teacher at Hillel who wanted to be on the Board.
It is better to have a former teacher from Hillel with a love for Jewish education on the Board -then no teacher at all.
Please support Jessica.
18 Anon // May 24, 2007 at 9:49 pm
agreed. I know Jessica more than everyone else on that slate, and while I am behind all of them, I’d push more for Jessica because of how much she cares for Hillel’s future.
Having known her for a good amount of time, her interests are for the betterment of Hillel and the future of the students who she has formed bonds with.
What better person is there for a position on the Board than someone who has been active in Hillel in the past as a teacher and who has observed from the sidelines?
As far as I’m aware, being on the Board isn’t a paid position, so there’s nothing she’d get out of it but be instrumental in directing the future of Hillel in a clear defined path. Her interests are very pure. I sure hope she will serve on the Board in the future because Hillel needs her.
19 A TEACHER // May 25, 2007 at 5:44 am
The problem is that, with all due respect, Jessica stands out on that list like a sore thumb. Everyone else on that list, from the alumni to the adults have worked to make Hillel a better place. Their criticisms have always been constructive. They’ve paid their dues not only financially, but through their amazingly hard work for Hillel on all levels. No one can question their commiment to the kids or to the institution. I adore Jessica as a person and admire her as a teacher, but while at Hillel and especially since Hillel she has been incredibly negative about the school. No one else on that list can be accused of that. I truly believe that Jessica’s inclusion is detrimental to the cause, though again I admire her and her passion. I just don’t think she will be perceived as someone out to “save Hillel”. How does the voting work? Do you vote for individuals or for the slate as a whole?
20 Anon // May 25, 2007 at 8:51 am
Perhaps you and I know different Jessicas. This slate would not exist at ALL if it were not for her.
You have no idea what kind of hard work and dedication she is putting forth behind the scenes.
Instead of whatever personal grudges you have against her, it might be better to realize that she cares deeply for Hillel or this wouldn’t even be possible.
21 Anonymous // May 25, 2007 at 9:34 am
You vote for individuals not an entire slate. Let the voters decide.
22 Anon // May 25, 2007 at 9:43 am
Just something that came to mind: why are these people even on the slate? To help you, the teachers. How positive does it look for Hillel’s teachers when teachers aren’t even thankful for the people who are going all out to have your backs?
If you have a problem with the slate, you can run too. Your agenda is really not much different than hers. It’s all about respecting teachers. Maybe Jessica isn’t at Hillel anymore because she noticed this problem at Hillel when she was there, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to save it. It’s for your benefit.
23 Another Teacher // May 25, 2007 at 9:45 am
“I adore Jessica as a person and admire her as a teacher, but while at Hillel and especially since Hillel she has been incredibly negative about the school”
I disagree entirely.
24 Another Teacher // May 25, 2007 at 10:00 am
I question whether the above “TEACHER” is even a teacher at all.
“It is better to have a former teacher from Hillel with a love for Jewish education on the Board -then no teacher at all.
Please support Jessica.”
DITTO.
25 admin // May 25, 2007 at 10:02 am
To “DEBBI:”
As much as I respect your desire to speak up, I find it ironic that this comment comes from the same computer that your Druin posts come from. Your agenda is clearer now, but it’s obvious that you are misrepresenting yourself. Are you a student in AP English, a Hillel teacher for 25 years, a woman named Debbi, or none of the above?
I don’t know all the teachers who post here, but I ask that you at least represent yourself honestly or this site lacks credibility. If you care (and I don’t know what your goals are), please do not undermine the cause of this site. I’d much rather you post “anonymously” than say you’re someone you’re not.
Thank you.
26 Another Teacher // May 25, 2007 at 10:06 am
Yes , I question the very same thing:
are you an AP English student, a teacher, or let me guess…..a board member???????
I’d venture to guess a board member.
So disingenous. Why I am I not surprised?
There’s been enough smear on teachers this April. Let’s take the high road now please.
27 A TEACHER // May 25, 2007 at 10:37 am
To “another teacher” -I don’t know about “DEBBI” but my comment #19 is from a teacher who truly cares about the school, has posted before, and God Forbid, never meant to be negative about the slate. I support the slate totally, I intend to be there on the 6th, and if the concensus of opinion is that Jessica is a wise choice then I bow to the consensus. My comment was triggered, as I wrote, by what I saw as her sticking out in the slate as not being someone known at Hillel for doingt he same hard work etc. as Jill and the others. I don’t know whether Debbi is real or not- but I am. Shabbat Shalom.
28 Anon // May 25, 2007 at 10:46 am
Teacher- thank you. But any teacher who has been at Hillel (and still is at hillel) does hard work. I don’t know who you are but if you are a teacher, then you’re also in the same boat.
Remember-the lifeblood of Hillel is its teachers!! Maybe the perfect person to have on the slate of Hillel is someone who has “been there, done that” but is still able to observe! Someone who is not involved in Hillel teacher/administration politics and doesn’t have a child at hillel might be the very thing that Hillel needs at this point.
Jessica has nothing to gain by putting herself on the line here. Give her a chance. She means very well.
29 Let's Be Postive For Once! // May 25, 2007 at 10:57 am
We all think Jessica is a great . She is a bright teacher and we are lucky she has helped us . She really cares about Jewish Education. Be happy she is on. Let’s be postive for once. This election has to be postive June 6 is the day just get you Hillel Parent’s to vote for the New Slate. You will see the new slate people will make the changes needed to make Hillel A Better School.
30 Mindy // May 25, 2007 at 10:59 am
Please, let us re-focus on what is important. What seemed to be impossible happened– a new slate. Now let’s get these people elected! And let us begin to Save Hillel!
31 anonymous // May 25, 2007 at 11:32 am
That’s the Spirit!
…and to reiterate!
IT IS OUR TEACHERS THAT ARE THE LIFEBLOOD AND THE HEART OF HILLEL!
THEREFORE WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO DO ALL WE CAN TO SAVE HILLEL AND RETURN IT TO ITS MISSION OF PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT JEWISH AND SECULAR EDUCATION AS IT HAS DONE FOR OVER 35 YEARS!
There is NO reason to change what we have - - those who do not like it are free to go INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE BOARD - -MR. RUSS, MR. BONWITT, MR. WOLDENBERG AND MRS. DACH. You may be brainwashed by the Head and Associate Head of School - - but make no mistake - - your misguided thoughts and actions are costing our beloved school dearly.
Perhaps you missed the memo - -HILLEL is an acedemic center not a fortune 100 or 500 company and its academic component cannot be run as one. Do the research and you shall see - - what you are doing is inappropriate and extremely damaging to our school.
Bow out gracefully while you can - - !
32 anonymous // May 25, 2007 at 5:50 pm
The governing/executive Board of Hillel must believe in fostering an environment of Yiddishkeit and Academic Integrity.
Board members who believe otherwise should either stepdown: or be voted off the the board.
Post # 13 from the “good wolf” leads to the website of the Educators’ Collaborative LLC.
This group aids schools in filling administrative positions.
Is this the educational consulting firm that the Board hired to find the Head Master with the unaccredited doctorate? If so, the Board and this consulting firm failed miserably on the two issues cit5ed above:Yiddishkeit and Academic Integrity.
33 Anonymous // May 26, 2007 at 1:39 am
Our teachers are absolutely the “life’s blood” of the school.When teachers start denigrating another teacher, they play directly into the other’s side’s hands–DIVIDE AND CONQUER.
If you’d like to give your opponents more ammunition so that they will win this election (and remember that elections usually favor the incumbents), then keep doing what you’re doing: Keep questioning the validity of the members on the new slate…the other side is eating that up!!! Parents can vote for whomever they wish on the slate or not–ultimately they vote in individuals not an entire slate so whether YOU PERSONALLY like a particular individual on the slate or not, keep it to yourself unless you want the other side to win!
If you don’t like a particular person, then don’t vote for him or her…it’s that simple!
The other side is mobilizing as we speak. They are rallying all of their allies to get themselves re-elected and there’s a good chance that they might just win.
No one needs to be reminded at this point that the incumbents are the very same people that allowed teachers to be unethically evaluated and unconscionably fired.
If we play into the other side’s hands by attacking members on the new slate, then the status quo wins and we are back to square one.
I don’t think anyone here wants that.
Therefore, if you want change, you better start pushing it amongst the parent body right now because the other side is beating us to the punch-line!
34 good wolf // May 26, 2007 at 10:44 am
When you look on that page you see the name and placement….
35 Anonymous // May 26, 2007 at 9:18 pm
good wolf: you are speaking cryptically. please give more hints.
36 Mindy // May 26, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Has the current Board presented the new slate to the Hillel community?
To post #33: Then we have to mobilize bigger and better!
37 FOJ // May 26, 2007 at 10:17 pm
I have known Jessica for many years. Her passion for various topics has never ceased to amaze me. A person does not always choose the people or subjects they care about - they just do. During her years at Hillel, Jessica’s students always inspired her to give her very best. Why is it surprising that she hasn’t changed? Jessica sincerely wants the best for Hillel and for the Jewish day schools in general. Her desire to have a voice in the shaping of the vision of Hillel is a natural extension. She has dedicated many years to education, not through the donation of funds, but by actually rolling up her shirtsleeves and working within the system. This is no small sacrifice. It is about time a teacher is admitted onto a school board to lend a voice. The teachers are the gears that make the machine move - instead of being ineffectual “squeaky wheels” when the decisions of others are counter to the educational process, Jessica is seeking a way to be productive in making changes. Let her have a chance and open the door for a much needed teacher voice. Effective leaders are not perfect - the character of all parties involved are not above reproach - the aspect that should be considered is the value their presence will bring to the process of shaping Hillel’s future. An educator, still working within the system without a conflict of interest, is an obvious benefit.
38 Anonymous // May 26, 2007 at 10:21 pm
yes they did mindy…mobilize quickly please…every person’s efforts matter …every teacher’s , every parent’s
39 admin // May 26, 2007 at 10:25 pm
It appears that over the past few weeks, numerous teachers have become more and more active on this website. I think that this is a good thing. I ask you all to consider where you would be now if this website was shut down, which was something I considered on several occasions within the past two months. From the bits and pieces of correspondence I had with a few teachers who have identified themselves to me, my desire not to shut down this website was as if I had thrown a life preserver to the teachers. This website, therefore, is staying afloat and is consequently preventing your jobs and livelihoods from sinking.
Again, I ask you to think hard about this question: if this website wasn’t here, where would you be now? I’m glad that this website has served as an instrument to assist the teachers at Hillel, which was exactly why it was created to begin with.
Consider something else, though. This website has taken its emotional toll on me too (and even my family). If Jessica wasn’t here for me, where would you be today? I assure you that you would not be congregating on this website, since I’d have already acted upon my instincts and would have shut it down.
Jessica has been my rock for the past 2 months. Her desire to Save Hillel is greater than some of you “teachers” may ever know. The “Hillel Teacher’s Association” would be doing itself a great disservice if it did not wish to include Jessica in building the future of Hillel. Her commitment is to her former colleagues and students. She truly has the best intentions for everyone.
If you believe this website did a good thing for your jobs at Hillel, I urge you to consider the slate with Jessica on it. She only wants a sound work environment for her former colleagues. As such, she’s giving a lot of herself considering the tempest brewing within the Hillel walls. If you’re thankful for this website, you should be thankful that Jessica was there for me when I considered removing this means of support for the educators at Hillel.
Jessica wanted this website to be up so that the teachers would continue to be heard. As such, you should all be thankful to her. You owe her a lot.
40 Mindy // May 26, 2007 at 10:27 pm
To post #33: I have some thoughts…It is difficult to fathom that even now “they” are rallying…after so much has been brought to light here and other posts which hint at other reasons for “them” to be frightened. How some of these people cannot just admit to any misguided decisions and step down. How they think they still know what’s best re: running a school. How they are still supporting a lack of academic integrity. Why are “they” fighting so hard????
41 Anonymous // May 26, 2007 at 10:47 pm
they are rallying. make no mistake..get out there and start talking to as many people as you possibly can -ROCK THE VOTE!
42 good wolf // May 26, 2007 at 11:30 pm
good wolf // May 24, 2007 at 9:40 am
Here’s a little interesting tid-bit:
http://www.educatorscollaborative.com/search.html?WhatYear=2006&display=comdisplay
our fearless leader makes an appearence….
Just a re-post for those who missed it. When you look at that site you see ACH’s name and so on. It is the placement agency who placed him.
43 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 12:06 am
why is this relevant?
44 Joan Muss // May 27, 2007 at 1:13 am
Has anybody read the cover story of the Miami Herald local news section today?
It is about the success of Krop producing high achievers with a stable and motivated teaching staff!
4 times in the article it credits the stimulating environment created by the teachers.
OUR TEACHERS NEED TO BE HAPPY!
and Jessica should want to be at Hillel not KROP
45 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 1:35 am
The bottom line is that OUR TEACHERS ARE HILLEL - - THEY ARE OUR FOUNDATION AND THE REASON WE SEND OUR CHILDREN TO HILLEL.
If we continue to allow the current Head of School and Judaic Head of School to dismantle what we have worked so hard to accomplish over the last 36 years, we will be at fault.
We have a mission - it is an excellent mission. BUT, we have a misguided board who is enamored and brainwashed by the Head of School. He is an evil wicked man - - on the likes of Haman!
Both the Head of School and Associate Judaic Head of School are cold blooded individuals. They don’t have their heart in the school. For them, this is job. They don’t have a vested interest in the Jewish Education. Just as they did at their other schools - - they make a mess and then they leave - - -they don’t have to stay for the after affects of their damage.
So to the board members sanctioning this chaos - - BEWARE - - you are here to stay - unless you are moving or withdraw yourselves from the board. YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. YOU WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE DAMAGE AND THE DESTRUCTION WILL LIVE IN YOUR CONSCIENCE!
The methods of ruling by intimidation are merely the tactics used to make themselves feel superior and in control.
Our teachers have had enough! In case no one noticed, Holden has disappeared from the campus for the last 2 weeks. No one seemed to know where he was or when he would be back. Is that normal? Is it normal for staff to not know where the Head of School is or when he is coming back? How could they not know? Protocol would dictate that the divisional principals would be made aware - - -NOT IN THE CASE OF HOLDEN - HE ANSWERS TO NO ONE. And our BOARD ALLOWS IT! They are grossly negligent in the performance of their duties.
Guess it is another one of his PAID vacations! It’s a shame our students are unable to go on field trips and our teachers need supplies…..but we have enough money for soundproofing, glass offices, new conference rooms, plasma tv’s, trips to Kansas, and let’s not forget the Marketing firm and new logo production etc…….
For sure this is how to run an educational institution???NOT!!!!!
IT IS TIME FOR ALL OF US TO GIVE OUR SUPPORT TO OUR BELOVED TEACHERS AND NOT ALLOW THESE TACTICS TO CONTINUE. WE MUST STAND UP, SPEAK UP, VOTE AND DO ALL WE POSSIBLY CAN TO SAVE HILLEL!
Continue to engage our teachers in conversations with parents - - they need to know and have a right to know. Continue to post on the website and continue to spread the word.
We are on the right track - - we must mobile and take action - - TO SAVE HILLEL - FOR OUR TEACHERS AND OUR CHILDREN!
46 good wolf // May 27, 2007 at 8:25 am
Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 12:06 am
why is this relevant?
Some person who should have vetted the background education did not.
Sigh….honesty….
47 Michael Newman // May 27, 2007 at 9:28 am
If teachers do not support having Jessica Fishbein on the board, than they are completely clueless. They obviously do not recognize the people who have been working so selflessly to correct the disaster that is going on over there at Hillel.
48 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 9:30 am
If Jessica is elected to the Board she will be at Hillel:
It is on the Board NOW that teachers and in turn Hillel students need her the most…
Please vote for Jessica June 6th.
49 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 9:42 am
CLUELESS IS THE EXECUTIVE BOARD - OUR OFFICERS!
We have a mission. It is an excellet mission. Unfortunately, our board is misguided, brainwashed, if you will, by a cold, heartless Head of School and the Associate Judaic Head of School. These people have NO vested interest here.
They have no respect for our Teachers, Parents, or Students. It is unbelievable what the students think of them. Take a survey - - you will be amazed what these kids know!
Their heartless, direspectful methods of ruling by intimidation are merely the tactics used to make themselves feel superior and in control. The board has allowed them to act in this manner even after being notified that such methods and actions have taken place!
To our Officers - you have been grossly negligent in the running of our school. Keep in mind, these individuals whom you hired will move on once their destruction has been done. YOU WILL NOT, YOU WILL BE HERE, AND YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION AND CHAOS YOU ARE SANCTIONING AND SUPPORTING. THESE ACTIONS WILL BE ON YOUR CONSCIENCE. Act now and bow out gracefully before it is too late.
TO ERR IS HUMAN - TO IGNORE IS UNFORGIVABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE!
The parents have had enough! OUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND DESERVE BETTER!
In case no one noticed, Holden has disappeared from the campus for the last 2 weeks. No one seemed to know where he was or when he would be back. I have been told, he did not attend the first annual elementary band concert. I have heard he did not attend other meeting for which he was clearly on the agenda. Apparently, no one knew where he was, just that he was out of town and that they did not know when he was expected to return.
Guess it is another one of his PAID vacations! It’s a shame our students are unable to go on field trips and our teachers need supplies…..but we had enough money for soundproofing, glass offices, new conference rooms, plasma tv’s, trips to Kansas, and let’s not forget the Marketing firm and new logo production etc…….
We must endorse a new board who holds high ideals for an excellent Jewish and Secular education. A board that will strive for change to employ highly qualified Jewish administrators who understand and are knowledgable in our laws, customs, and traditions, as well as their integration in a dual curriculum school. We need a board who will restore respect and dignity to our teachers to provide them with a stable, warm, nurturing caring environment in which they may work and thrive to provide our children with the best SECULAR AND JEWISH EDUCATION in South Florida. We must restore our image that for the last 35 plus years our founders worked to achieve.
Back to BASICS! Let’s NOT lose what we have worked so hard to achieve - NOT THIS CURRENT HOSTILE, COLD, DESTRUCTIBLE ENVIRONMENT.
WE MUST ACT NOW AND DO ALL WE CAN TO SAVE HILLEL and restore it to its roots!
50 The Slate Has Been Posted // May 27, 2007 at 10:06 am
… on the Hillel website:
http://www.hillel-nmb.org/Welcome/welcome.htm
They have posted the current slate and board members and who is up for re-election. They have also posted the petitioned alternative slate given (the one under discussion here).
It seems like everyone on the executive committee is up for re-election (Russ, Bonwitt, Woldenberg, and Dach).
Also interestingly, or maybe its my monitor… but the list of alternative slate members seems to be in a smaller font than the rest… hmmm…
51 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:18 am
To the voting members of Hillel:
There is no school, public or private , that would allow an individual who misrepresented credentials on an education resume to continue on. That individual would be fired immediately as soon as the fraud was discovered.
In the Hillel contracts offered to the teachers , section 9. Representations by Employee states:
“…Employee represents and warrants that all of the statements and facts in the Employment Application (and any accompanying qualification documents including resume, transcrpts, dgrees, etc.) are true and correct and that there has been no omission of fact therein…”.
Not revealing during the Head of School’s application process, that the 4.00 gpa earned in a doctoral program from California Coast University in 2001 was unaccredited clearly violated this Agreement.
Moreover, # 10 : Teaching/Academic Administrative Positions states:
“Employee warrants that he/she is licensed and qualified to teach in an accredited school in the State of Florida and possesses a current Florida Teacher’s Certificate or licensefrom the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE)”.
The current Head of School does not have a Florida Teacher’s License and his Kansas teaching credentials do not include doctoral credentials.
The Department of Education in Kansas confirmed this information and said they would never give credit for a doctoral degree from California Coast University 2001.
Moreover, #10 of Hillel contracts states;
“Employee further agrees that he /she will comply with all of the requirements and standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)…
SACS Standard 5.11 “Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices” has also been violated by both the Head of School and now the current Board who hired him.
In universities, students are immediately dismissed if they have been found to lie or misrepresent themselves on their college applications.
Why is the current Head of School, and the Board who hired him, allowing this fraudulent situation to continue?
Why are Hillel’s teachers held to different ehtical and legal standards than the Head of School?
This lack of respect shown to Hillel’s faculty is indicative of the current Board’s lack respect for Academic Integrity.
Please vote on June 6th for the new slate of Board Members so that Academic Integrity and respect can be restored at our school.
52 good wolf // May 27, 2007 at 11:39 am
I second the motion!
53 Anon // May 27, 2007 at 12:30 pm
“We have a mission. It is an excellent mission.”
I have heard that unbeknownst to the parent body, the board REWROTE the Hillel Mission Statement and that the mission statement we all keep referring to has been deemed obsolete.
The New Mission Statement hangs on walls where the Board meets, but no one else was ever apprised of this fact or even made aware . Again, everyone has been kept in the dark except the priviliged few who unilaterally make decisions without consulting the constituency and without including all stakeholders in the decision making process.
When new parents enroll their children at Hillel, they are under the impression they are signing on for what the original mission statement claims not some New Vision they’ve never heard of.
This is false advertising - - highly unethical.
54 Golda Meir // May 27, 2007 at 1:02 pm
“It seems like everyone on the executive committee is up for re-election (Russ, Bonwitt, Woldenberg, and Dach).
Also interestingly, or maybe its my monitor… but the list of alternative slate members seems to be in a smaller font than the rest… hmmm…”
They seem to have corrected this now by bolding the names up for re-election and making everything the same size font.
However, the new slate was written in much smaller font than the current one was on the letter we received. The names were pushed all the way down to the bottom. You could barely read them.
As far as this community is concerned –
Rafa Russ,
Anita Lapco,
and Sherri Lebwohl should STAY.
Everyone else can go. Vote them out.
55 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Golda:
Do the three people you mentioned stand for Academic Integrity and Respect for Hillel’s outstanding faculty?
Would they be willing to replace the under-educated administrators?
56 Baa Baa Black Sheep // May 27, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Hope!
57 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 1:30 pm
To post #53. Mission statment posted on Hillel web site:
http://hillel-nmb.org/About_Us/Mission_Statement/mission_statement.htm
Is this the the mission statement which hangs on the wall where the Board meets?
58 Golda Meir // May 27, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I have not entered the inner sanctum so I’m not sure what’s actually posted on the wall. Someone needs to go in there and check it out for certain. We need to make sure that everyone is on the same page about the mission. Someone should find out and get back to us.
I believe those three people wish to address all the concerns that the constiuency has brought to the forefront and should be renewed. The others up for re-election need to go.
59 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Mindy:
One would hope this is the Mission Statement:
“With care and concern for each child, Hillel, a Jewish community day school, seeks to create a nurturing, respectful and academically inspiring environment, imbued with traditional Torah values and designed for college preparation and admission. Talented faculty and dedicated families work together guiding our students to attain their maximum potential, become lifelong learners and thinkers, develop high moral standards, respect diversity, and make meaningful contributions as members of Klal Yisrael and as Americans. By engaging students in vibrant Torah study and meaningful religious and cultural experiences, we strive to deepen their commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel”
Respect for faculty and Academic Integrity is and can never be a “non-issue”.
60 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Golda: “This community.” Do you mean those who are able to vote? If so, rally, rally, rally…get the support/vote for these three and for the entire new slate!
Sad to say….but what is on that wall today may not be on that wall tomorrow. . .
61 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 2:36 pm
And I want to add ….IF the mission statement does differ, this then, unfortunately, is one more item to be added to the growing list of unethical and dishonest behavior engaged in by a number of Board members. The getting around the by-laws re: Jewish dean (changing dean to “head of school”), inappropriate phone calls to new slate, unwelcoming messages to teachers, threats to alumni, double-standards, etc.
Readers of this blog, these are serious issues. This Board must be held accountable. Perhaps, as has been suggested in several posts on this site, this is why some Board members are frightened.
In a recent post, Joan Muss referred to the Miami Herald article about the successes at Krop. I ask you to to refer also to the Miami Herald article about the inappropriate behavior of some members of the Board of a Hallandale condo development.
62 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 3:43 pm
The mission statement of the school was published in the blue print to excellence that was sent to the parent body last year. It is exactly what was printed in post #59 - - if it is not the same as the poster in the board’s meeting room - then this to is another example of the deception of the board.
…To Golda Meir - post #58 - I do not believe you can speak for the community at large.
With all due respect - all members of the executive board should go - - these individuals have ignored the outcry from the community with regards to the disrespectful manner in which the Head of School and the Associate Judaic Head of School address our beloved teachers. Furthermore, they have ignored the academic integrity issues as well as many of the other issues brought to the forefront.
Mr. Russ, Mr. Bonwitt, Mr. Woldenberg, Mrs. Dach - - should all be ashamed of the predicament in which they have placed our school. To the Lichters, the Givners, and the rest of the individuals who attempted to suppress the website - - -they did so with complete disregard to the outcry of protest of the parent body, students, and teachers.
….and to any of the other individuals on the board who did not stand up and require acccountability for the manner in which our school is being run - - as an autocratic regime - - Shame on YOU.
The very reason we do not forget other atrocities that happen, we, as a parent body should not settle for inaction or avoidance of issues. This is pure negligence - - these individuals, when elected, were entrusted to provide leadership and guidance. NONE OF WHICH IS APPARENTLY EVIDENT. ALL OF WHICH GOT US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.
There is no mercy for those who refuse to act and address the untenable situation at our school. …..and to think they are saying it will go away and people will forget as school is ending - - we cannot let this happen. Not for our teachers, our children or ourselves.
CONTINUE TO GET THE WORD OUT - - TO SAVE HILLEL - - VOTE FOR CHANGE ON JUNE 6TH AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!
63 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 3:50 pm
A question: No one on new slate is running for president or vice president–so, how can current individuals holding these positions be replaced?
64 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Great Question - - however - it should be further noted that both the President and Vice President are the very reason we are in this awful situation. They are brainwashed and enamored by the every move the Head of School and Associate Judaic Head of School make. They are proponents of the manner in which things are going!!!
There is no alternative, they must be removed from office and power!
We must demand a change - - these individuals are at the very core of what is happening at our school. They are in positions of authority and power and they have abused the priviledges entrusted to them. We cannot allow them to continue to make inappropriate decisions.
Ask the HBHA board - -they have warned us!
WE MUST TAKE ACTION TO SAVE HILLEL!
65 Anon // May 27, 2007 at 4:01 pm
http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/947285/the_school_thats_most_likely_to_succeed_from_brainiacs_to/index.html
“The School That’s Most Likely to Succeed” : Michael Krop Senior High School
Highlights of the article… Key ingredients to school success :
“For a fairly new school, Krop has really managed to distinguish itself among the top schools in the county,” said Region II Superintendent Enid Weissman, the school’s founding principal.
She and current principal Matthew Welker point to three factors to explain why the school continues to produce a string of high achievers: a stable and motivated teaching staff, a high degree of parental involvement and a close-knit feeder pattern that prepares students well for high school…
When the school opened in 1998, Weissman said she hand-picked teachers from around the county: “We looked for the best of the best.”
More than 1,000 teachers applied, said Gersie Arnold, the school’s activities director. About 40 of the 65 original teachers remain.
“Those of us who were hired were not only excited to come to Michael Krop Senior High , but we were . . . honored,” Arnold said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people to open up a new school.”
According to 2005-06 district statistics, the latest available, Krop was above the countywide average for teachers with advanced degrees; 46 percent hold master’s and 5 percent have doctorates.
Parental involvement also has been a factor in the school’s success, Welker said. With more than 850 members in the PTSA, parents often log thousands of volunteer hours and raise funds for scholarships or other programs.
VALUE YOUR TEACHERS + INVOLVE MORE PARENTS = 2 OUT OF THE 3 KEY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS.
GO FIGURE!!
66 Golda Meir // May 27, 2007 at 4:26 pm
anonymous lower case no underline, you make some good points
the 2 parents mentioned however have impeccable reputations … people should know that
67 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Certainly I (and obviously many others) agree with you, but, again, how? We have a new slate—but the new slate does not include candidates for these positions.
Perhaps the new slate has a plan for a checks and balance system. We do know the new slate is committed to SAVING HILLEL.
68 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Reputations are one thing. Actions or lack of actions when it comes to our school are something else.
Voting individuals out of office or holding them accountable for the current situation does not mean that the individuals are a menace to society. It does not mean they are not good spouses, good parents, or even good people.
In their current role, on the executive board of our school, they are not performing appropriately. They have not made good decisions and have supported inappropriate actions, they have condoned academic integrity, they have condoned disrespect towards our faculty and staff, they have overlooked the environment in which our faculty attempts to work and they continue to foster the haphazard environment, hostile atmosphere, and incompetance exhibited by the Head of School and Associate Judaic Head of School.
For these reasons, they should resign gracefully and a special election be held to replace their roles. In doing so, they at least have admitted their misgivings and can move on with dignity. Otherwise, they are casting doubt upon themselves for the tenuous situation at the school.
Inherent in the Roles of President and Vice President come power and authority to make decisions and to lead the rest of the board towards appropriate action. Isn’t that how our country is governed. These are similar prinicpals being applied to a school. If there are issues to overcome, it is their role to present them to the board over which they serve and make decisions in the best interest of the school. Apparently no one has witnessed such leadership. They have witnessed a submissive and passive style. They appear to be stifled and perhaps in fear through the intimidation tactics bestowed upon them by the Head of School and his incompetent and disliked Associate Judaic Head of School.
Therefore, again, they should bow out with dignity and then a special election of a President and Vice President may be had.
Afterall, isn’t it in the best interest of our school? What agendas are they serving their own - - or that of our school? All egos aside - — our school’s future is at stake!
WE MUST CONTINUE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO SAVE HILLEL!
69 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 5:17 pm
The battle is on the field not just on the blog. Get the word out to real people quickly!
70 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 5:19 pm
anonymous, As always you write succinctly and eloquently. However, it does not appear that anyone is stepping down (as suggested by you and a number of others) If anything, according to postings, they are rallying their forces for the coming election.
71 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 5:23 pm
They are rallying –big time–everyone must do his part now
Preaching to the choir on a computer is nowhere near enough
72 Knows too much // May 27, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Flash….HASHEM/GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HILLEL PRESIDENT RAFA RUSS
Miami, Florida
May, 27, 2002
Those of you concerned about the secularization of the Hillel School can all take a deep breath and relax. In a communication to the Board on May 20, 2007 defending his pathetic week- kneed Board and officers, Russ wrote the following
“I have all the time fought for each one you as Board members…and I will continue to do so as long as Heaven keeps me in the position of leadership”
So apparently Hashem plays on Russ’s team! Therefore, I guess there is nothing to be concerned about and the election should be called off.
Russ commenting on negotiations with representatives of the new slate wrote;
“The only alternative we were given at the end of the endless meetings was to arbitrarily negotiate and give Board postitions. That is a solution that is completely unacceptable to me and Gil”….I would rather resign as Chairman of this board”
Resign Mr. Russ? …Heaven wouldn’t want that!
See you at the election pal.
73 good wolf // May 27, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Eloquence is one thing. Saving our jobs and our reputations is a bigger thing.
74 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Ladies and Gentleman -
If each and every one of us does our part, we will overcome. Parents and teachers need to be directed to this site.
No man/woman is an island - - each must do his/her part. It is not eloquence that is attempting to be achieved here. It is a matter of bringing issues to the forefront. The administration and board are actively reading this site. They are actively campaigning by downplaying the issues and stating the site is all lies. If that were the case, why such the intense interest and constant downplay.
It is a shame that the mailer sent out with the new board slate did not provide a link to the savehillel site. It would have been a perfect opportunity to get the word out.
In the mean time, continue to spread the word! We must do all we can to SAVEHILLEL!
75 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Ultimately, truth will prevail….by-laws, mission statements, hiring practices, the Board’s expenditures , etc. are all matters of record.
76 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Eloquence is needed!! Action on the field right now is needed too!! Get the word out FACE to FACE!
77 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Yes..Mr Russ has said he’d resign if the current members do not win.
78 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 7:08 pm
post #72 it’s a shame he’s not willing to work with whoever the constiuency votes in
79 Another Teacher // May 27, 2007 at 8:37 pm
“When the school opened in 1998, Weissman said she hand-picked teachers from around the county: ‘We looked for the best of the best.’
More than 1,000 teachers applied, said Gersie Arnold, the school’s activities director.
About 40 of the 65 original teachers remain. ”
Successful schools don’t run their school like a corporation; they don’t hire A HATCHET MAN to come in and downsize just for the sake of balancing a budget; they seek to keep their best happy and hold onto them forever.
Why don’t more of our original remain? Our original who have not retired and are teaching locally elsewhere?
I do not blame Adam Holden for doing exactly what the Board hired and directed him to do.
I blame the Board for trying to run a school like a business,
for wreaking emotional havoc and poisoning the teacher environment,
for creating a situation in which the teaching morale is at an all time low.
Who’s bright idea was it to hire a Hatchet Man and to endorse waves of firings — 2 great waves in four years time?
How are teachers supposed to recover from the shock waves?
Most of us are just numb at this point.
It was hard enough to watch so many great colleagues get fired in 2003…only 4 years later to witness some of the best get their souls sucked right out of them…there are no words.
80 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 9:06 pm
In all of this let us forget the wonderful job Rabbi Kaplan is doing in high school Without his leadership and mentchlekite the high school would have fallen apart. We neeed him at this position next year. Let us make that a cause as well
81 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 9:36 pm
#77 - - it is a testament to the mission this board has undertaken. If Mr. Russ - was a man of convictions - and truly feels his leadership is making a difference, he would be able to work with whomever is elected. However, if this is the way Mr. Russ feels - - he should bow out gracefully and and allow individuals the individuals who really understand what our school is about to turn our school around. Please, let him resign - - and his VP as well.
#80 - They may begin by terminating the new High School flunky hired by his crony and make Rabbi Kaplan permanent. The high school currently has wonderful leadership under Rabbi Kaplan. He has the knowledge, skills, ability and integrity to turn the high school around and lead it in a positive, warm , caring manner with excellence in leadership and academics.
G-d willing, June 6th will be the turning point and we can embark on the rebuilding process of our school!
It is our time to make things happen. Teachers, continue to speak with the parents who are being provided with false information by their board member friends. Let them know the deception that is taking place. Let them know how awful you have been treated and the type of environment you are being forced to work in.
Let them know how your students are not able to go on field trips as in the past, how you are in need of supplies as the offices are built and suited for royalty. Let them know how you were unfairly evaluated. Let them know how your hours are being extended, yet the compensation will not be adjusted accordingly. Let them know that there will be no teacher work days or opportunities for you to have to work on your classrooms and plans. Let them know how you have been intimidated and put in fear of losing your jobs. Let them know how the Head of School and Associate Judaic Head of School have disrespected you.
These are all points of issue!
We have many causes and many will begin to help once the force of change begins to take hold.
We can work together as a community to SAVE HILLEL and restore it to the mainstay it was in the realm of being an excellent Jewish Day School!
82 Mindy // May 27, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Reading these posts brings more and more insights. The first is my beginning to understand—yet certainly not fully comprehend— what members of the new slate have truly gone through and accomplished.
We know that protocol—as stated on www.hillel4change.org – was followed:
“This process [of presenting a new slate] was used successfully a few years ago by some of our current board members!
Hillel’s current executive board voted unanimously for bylaws that include a process for individuals who are not on the originally proposed slate to put forth an alternate slate and to present their case to the school.
These bylaws were the result of many hours of research into the bylaws used by leading educational institutions throughout the country. Indeed, the alternate slate process was used a few years ago with an extremely positive result. Some of our most effective current Board and Executive Board members, including the Chairman (president) of the board of Governors himself, were not part of the original slate put forth by the nominating committee at that time. Rather, they were first part of a proposed alternate slate, such as the one we are now putting forth. Ultimately, one combined slate was presented to the members of the school to vote on.”
Yet, “playing by the rules” is apparently not acceptable to some current Board members who do NOT play by the rules. Now we are finding out that making this slate official was not easy—that
In Mr. Russ’ own words: “The only alternative we [the Board] were given at the end of the endless meetings [with representatives of the New Slate] was to arbitrarily negotiate and give Board positions” (post #72).
New Slate, I have previously thanked you for your accomplishment, but at the time I was totally unaware of what you did ,what you endured, and what time you expended (e.g., “the endless meetings”) to bring the slate to fruition.
Now, with a better—albeit still naïve understanding—I thank-you again!
Another insight: Again, Mr. Russ’ words: “I have all the time fought for each one you as Board members…and I will continue to do so as long as Heaven keeps me in the position of leadership” (Post #72)
The Board Chairman is supposed to be working for the betterment of our school, upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics. What is our Board Chairman doing? Defending the actions of other Board members.
And finally, if the Chairman truly believes in the continued success of Hillel, he would welcome the input of other individuals who are committed to the success of our school—the New Slate. But what is our Board Chairman doing? Stating that he would rather resign than work with New Board Members.
83 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:15 pm
For those on the blog who may be reaching out to the June 6th voters:
Please tell the voters that the information you have read here and disseminated has come from several highly reliable sources:
A former Assistant Attorney General of the State of Florida and current legal counsel to the Florida Department of Education.
A former State House Representative on the Education Committee.
Representatives from The Department of Education in Topeka Kansas: Credentialing Division.
Representatives from The Florida Department of Education: Credentialing Division.
Representatives from The US Department of Education in Washington D.C.
Representatives fron The Distance Education and Training Council.
Representatives from The Head Office of SACS/CASI.
Members of the Broward County School Board.
Members of The Miami-Dade Attorney’s Office.
And most importantly of all:
Our beloved and highly qualified faculty.
84 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Mindy post 82
YOu hit the nail on the head!
85 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:48 pm
You see, what this board and the head and assoicate Judaic head of school do not understand is that this school is what it is due to the faculty and staff.
In an interesting article in the May 24th issue of the Jewish Journal - - entitled, “Strong Impact.” It speaks about the graduates of the David Posnack Hebrew Day School and their impact on the community. Even more enlightening is the actual quotes from students talking about their teachers and the “sense of community” they felt at their school. They comment about how their teahcers are very supportive. They talk about how their teachers and classes made a difference. How warm and welcoming their school is and how from the very first day, the school is like a community.
Isn’t this how our school used to be? Isn’t this the way we want our students to speak of our school as they have done for many years? This is the Yiddishkeit, the Hamishe feeling, the warmth and supportive environment we are striving to restore. This can ONLY be done with your support. This can ONLY be done if we, as a community, stand together and demand change. We must make it happen.
We must demand that a qualified Jewish Dean with academic integrity be hired to instill and support our faculty with the warm and nurturing environment we once had. It is most disconcerting to hear staff members say “that was the Hillel of yester-year - - It is a NEW DAY.” It is NOT a new day. Our Jewish traditionals and values have NOT changed. It is because of the individuals who are running the school and their INABILITY TO CONNECT AND UNDERSTAND THESE VALUES AND TRADITIONS THAT HAVE CAUSED SUCH A CHANGE.
Make NO MISTAKE. We can and will restore the HILLEL that we knew and the HILLEL that graduated the best of the best - the HILLEL we knew and loved.
WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO REGAIN WHAT WE HAD AND SAVE HILLEL FOR OUR TEACHERS, OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR COMMUNITY!!!
We have NO Choice but to SAVE HILLEL!!!
86 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:59 pm
We also need to remember that the school leadership are the role models that we are putting in front of our children. How many of us want our children to absorb the values being presented to them by the current heads of school? Don’t we want our children to learn from the derech eretz and mentschlekeit of, for example, Rabbi Kaplan? Do you, Mr. Russ and Mr. Bonwitt, want your children to learn their values from Mr. Holden and Rabbi Druin?
87 Anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Children - teenagers especially - can sniff out hypocrisy from a mile away.
While our Judaic studies teachers do an excellent job of teaching the values of our Torah, those same values are vilified by the actions of the heads of school and condoned and glorified by the board.
“Do as I say, not as I do” has never been the way to raise ethical children.
Amidst all the issues raised, we must never forget what our true goal is here: to work as a community to raise children of character.
88 good wolf // May 27, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Good character!
89 Icecube // May 27, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Men of genius are admired. Men of wealth are envied. Men of power are feared. But only men of character are trusted.
Arthur Friedman
90 Icecube // May 27, 2007 at 11:21 pm
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey Fierstein
91 Icecube // May 27, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Falsehood is easy, truth so difficult.
George Eliot
92 Icecube // May 27, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.
Lord Acton
93 good wolf // May 27, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Right on!
anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 10:15 pm
For those on the blog who may be reaching out to the June 6th voters:
Please tell the voters that the information you have read here and disseminated has come from several highly reliable sources:
A former Assistant Attorney General of the State of Florida and current legal counsel to the Florida Department of Education.
A former State House Representative on the Education Committee.
Representatives from The Department of Education in Topeka Kansas: Credentialing Division.
Representatives from The Florida Department of Education: Credentialing Division.
Representatives from The US Department of Education in Washington D.C.
Representatives fron The Distance Education and Training Council.
Representatives from The Head Office of SACS/CASI.
Members of the Broward County School Board.
Members of The Miami-Dade Attorney’s Office.
And most importantly of all:
Our beloved and highly qualified faculty.
94 anonymous // May 27, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Let the school begin to show its leadership with the appointments of Rabbi Kaplan and Rabbi Saks to begin the new Hillel
95 Anon // May 27, 2007 at 11:32 pm
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton
Yes–this is what we are dealing with now.
HEADS UP: Mr. Tymony Bonilla headed your way this week, your new principal, aren’cha just thrilled..your fifth principal in ten years…brought to you by…………………….
96 Anon // May 27, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Rabbi Kaplan who? as far as they’re concerned
97 Thanks Rabbi kaplan for Saving Our High School! // May 28, 2007 at 8:14 am
I guess Dr. Holden went to get Mr. Bonilla to come back with him from Kansas. He needed to get him prepared for our Jewish Day School. We all know that Rabbi Kaplan did everything to save the High School from falling apart and he got everything ready for graduates. I guess Dr. Holden knew who to leave in power while he was getting Mr. Bonilla ready to come to our school. Rabbi Kaplan we all want to tell you that you have done a great job. Words can’t thank you enough. We are so lucky to have you in our school. We hope you will have an Adminstrator Job after June 6,2007 I am sure you will the board needs to see what you have done and we all know you did it from your heart. Who is the Main Speaker at the 12th Grade Graduation? Let’s Hear it? We Hope they put Rabbi Kaplan he deserves it he is the one who has been running the whole event. Board Members don’t let us down put Rabbi Kaplan IN Power . He is the best of the best Rabbi , Teacher and Adminstrator who has been working at that HILLEL COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL for 16 years..He has been wearing differents hats to help save Hillel in the last 2 months. I hope Board Members see that .
98 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 8:53 am
Again - - just to reiterate…. CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE AND WE CANNOT RELY ON THE CURRENT BOARD TO EFFECTUATE THESE CHANGES. They are powerless and stifled in their effforts.
The non-sense being spoken by the current board members related to contracts etc. - - is exactly that - - - NONSENSE. Mr. Russ and Mr. Bonwitt, Mr. Woldenberg, and Mrs. Dach all know there is a way out. However, because they are brainwashed and mezmorized by these individuals, Head of School and associate Judaic Head of School, they are unable to see the forest from the trees. They are stifled in their actions and are unable to make a move. For these very reasons, we NEED CHANGE. We need leadership that leads and is not led around by the nose. We need individuals with the gumption and fortitude to make sound decisions to benefit the school NOT their egos.
All contracts may be broken - - yes, there is a monetary penalty to pay but that will be cheaper than the destruction being caused in the long run.
…..and as far as Holden’s contract - - just a reminder - the man is in violation of a Florida State Statute related to fraud. His contract should not have a penalty as it was provided based on false pretenses.
As far as the new principal - - the contract is probably not in force yet….. Probably starts July 1st as did Holdens.
The message is…..these contracts may be broken - don’t allow others to tell you otherwise. …..and those master fundraisers have raised so much money, they will need to put it to good use to SAVE HILLEL. Holden doesn’t want to use it for financial aid anyway. So here is a perfect opportunity to use the funds for a worthy cause - - to SAVE HILLEL from is autocratic rule!
Yet another indication that he has absolutely NO iota of knowledge on how Jews feel about Jewish Education. The school was built on the concept of helping those who could not fully afford a Jewish Education. The school worked hard to NOT turn people who really wanted the education to get the education.
Again - are we going to continue to allow this individual to make these types of decisions that so egregiously contradict what we stand for?
WE MUST CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD TO THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND MAKE A VALIANT EFFORT TO SAVE HILLEL. WE ARE THE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
SAVE HILLEL!
99 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 9:25 am
“In the Hillel contracts offered to the teachers , section 9. Representations by Employee states:
“…Employee represents and warrants that all of the statements and facts in the Employment Application (and any accompanying qualification documents including resume, transcrpts, dgrees, etc.) are true and correct and that there has been no omission of fact therein…”.
Not revealing during the Head of School’s application process, that the 4.00 gpa earned in a doctoral program from California Coast University in 2001 was unaccredited clearly violated this Agreement.
Moreover, # 10 : Teaching/Academic Administrative Positions states:
“Employee warrants that he/she is licensed and qualified to teach in an accredited school in the State of Florida and possesses a current Florida Teacher’s Certificate or licensefrom the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE)”.
The current Head of School does not have a Florida Teacher’s License and his Kansas teaching credentials do not include doctoral credentials.
The Department of Education in Kansas confirmed this information and said they would never give credit for a doctoral degree from California Coast University 2001.”
Contract? ?
Mr. Holden violated his contract the moment he submitted his padded resume and signed it…
whereas teachers are obviously held to a different standard by the current Board.
Please vote4 change June 6th.
100 Mindy // May 28, 2007 at 10:23 am
To posts 98 and 99 and to everyone: SACS Nonpublic Standards for Accreditation:
Section 5.11– “Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices.”
101 Anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 11:48 am
“Holden doesn’t want to use it for financial aid anyway”
Is this true?
If so, this is the nail in the coffin of Jewish education at Hillel.
Welcome to Pinecrest.
102 Anon // May 28, 2007 at 11:52 am
Tzedakah and Chesed are primary Jewish values.
Not providing any financial aid? Since when was that the Jewish way?
103 Anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 11:54 am
Since when does holden care about anything Jewish?
104 Anon // May 28, 2007 at 11:57 am
Rumor has it that Hillel was vying to be like Pinecrest and that’s what started this all. So your statement is not that far off.
No value for Jewish tradition was going to be a norm. however that apparently doesn’t sit well with parents. Glad to know that the people behind the changes are finally learning that they can’t effectuate change without running it by the community.
communication is important. blueprints to excellence do no good if they dont spell out what the future of JEWISH education is at Hillel.
105 Anon // May 28, 2007 at 11:58 am
So after The Hatchet Man axes all the teachers and has saved the school money and after he raises money for the school, what does he plan to do with it…build more beautiful edifices?
What about providing better education and providing aid so that more Jewish kids will know their heritage and grow up to be future Jewish leaders who ensure that Klal Yisrael remains strong for the next several generations?
I guess that wouldn’t matter much to him or some of the current board members…
They are too caught up with image, appearance, and the surface…All that glitters isn’t gold.
The true excellence and true Jewish values are rapidly disappearing before our eyes.
106 Anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 12:04 pm
There are Jewish schools out there that are better than Pinecrest–RAMAZ for one.
Since when are secular excellence and Jewish education mutually exclusive?
These board members are too inept to figure out how to give us quality Judaics and secular studies at the same time.
This is NOT an either/or proposition.
The right leaders would know how to implement excellence on both fronts and use a two-pronged approach.
The Jews of Germany thought of themselves as GERMANS FIRST, JEWS SECOND…
History repeats itself, doesn’t it?
107 Hillel Teacher // May 28, 2007 at 12:18 pm
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Let’s get real! Adam Holden is probably not going anywhere! Most likely, he will stay at Hillel for the next two years, until his contract runs out. Why would he leave, when he has the undying support of HIS BOARD who allows him to do anything he wants? Adam Holden has the freedom to carry out his egocentric mission, which includes destroying OUR HILLEL. He will continue to rip OUR HILLEL to shreds and when he’s ready, he’ll leave. He’ll move on or move up someplace else and we’ll be left with OUR SCHOOL in shambles, just the way our Kansas friends say he left their school. He will walk away, emotionless as always, and NEVER TURN BACK. He doesn’t care! This is the REAL Adam Holden! The only hope we have in SAVING HILLEL is to elect a NEW BOARD. The NEW SLATE will have the power and the will to make it too uncomfortable for Holden to stay. An individual with his personality traits could never stay in an environment where they had NO POWER.
In this country, our democracy was founded on the premise of checks and balances. This is every individual’s PROTECTION. With the current Board, the system of checks and balances does not exist. HILLEL HAS NO PROTECTION! Hopefully, the NEW SLATE, dedicated to SAVING HILLEL, will reinstitute the CHECKS AND BALANCES system we once had.
PARENTS –PLEASE – FOR OUR HILLEL - YOU MUST DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND VOTE ON JUNE 6th FOR THE NEW SLATE!
108 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Yes, now we are all understanding the horrific program Mr. Russ, Mr. Bonwitt, Mr. Woldenberg, Mrs. Dach, M/M Givner, Lichter, Diener, and the likes are vying for.
Now all can better understand the need for change.
The recurring theme is clear - - it is evident in the many posts on this page and the other pages. There has been clear misuse of funds, emphasis on immaterial issues such as uniforms (we have invested hundreds in our current uniforms- no need for change), plasma tvs, marketing firms, class offices, sound proofing for the Head of School, and no privacy for others. Extended hours, no additional pay. No speaking up - working in fear. Minimal field trips - no snacks in elementary. Moving 6th grade to middle school (research shows - not best model) - no open house provided to current 5th grade parents. No defined transition. ONLY now is the high school leadership effective under Rabbi Kaplan. Mass firing of teachers and slow rehiring of a numbered few. Now a new principal is slated to start - - NO CONSISTENCY. Very important years prior to college should have strong Jewish roots - - New principal NOT Jewish. Lower School new principal - not qualified for elementary education. Can barely deal with Pre-school and now will have PK2 - 5th grade. No curriculum experience. Not strong judaic experience yet the Judaic coordinator - NO search for a principal. Mr. Meisels has been moved to the new Jewish and Student Life division. WHY SHOULD SUCH A DIVISION BE NEEDED IN A JEWISH SCHOOL? It should be integrated into the curriculum. The condescending nature and manner in which Druin addresses faculty and others. …..and let us NOT forget the
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ISSUES.
THIS LIST IS CERTAINLY NOT ALL INCLUSIVE BUT JUST SCRAPES THE SURFACE!!!
We must all remember the actions we are taking, the information we are disseminating, and the change we are affectuating is for the sole purpose - - of SAVING HILLEL for Our children, Our teachers, and Our community!
109 Another Teacher // May 28, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Here! Here!
110 good wolf // May 28, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Third!
The Hillel Community is supposed to be set apart, that’s what private/parochial school is: set apart. I have read that it doesn’t matter if the school is Catholic or Evangelical or Jewish; it is the focus on Faith, the ethical way of life, the positive relations between student and teacher that contribute to a dynamic whole person.
Service to others becomes very important…
What service is being done now?
111 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 5:16 pm
The more parents I speak to, the more I realize that many potential voters do not realize the significance of this election.
Alumni, teachers, parents and other stakeholders need to mobilize and contact potential voters to explain the urgency of attending the June 6th meeting:
To Vote4Change!!
112 Mindy // May 28, 2007 at 5:26 pm
How can we reach out to more parents? I have called/spoken to all I know. In what other ways can we spread the word? Suggestions posted here would be greatly appreciated….and acted upon.
113 Hillel Teacher // May 28, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Mindy- I recently posted a suggestion to the NEW SLATE. Here it is: one way to reach a large number of parents would be through a flier, stating the NEW SLATE’S concerns and SPECIFIC actions they would take to SAVE HILLEL. Many parents have no idea as to what is going on at the school and I feel they need to see the DIFFERENCES between the NEW SLATE and the CURRENT BOARD. I’m also not sure how many parents realize that this is probably the most important election in the history of Hillel. The fliers could be handed out at all carpool locations up to June 6th. Perhaps these fliers could also be handed out the evening of June 6th, at the door, as parents enter the meeting.
114 Another Teacher // May 28, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Parents are asking what the difference is between the two slates. Let’s hope the new slate addresses this issue quickly…Hillel Teacher I concur with every word you have posted on this site!!!
115 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Perhaps the NEW SLATE needs to campaign:
Go to the areas where parents are with posters and fliers identifying themselves.
Shaking hands and making themselves known to the voters is always a plus.
There is a carpool around noon for preschool and two larger ones in the afternoon.
Rallies also seem to work for candidates.
116 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Can the candidates print up a T-Shirt with a slogan…?
117 Mindy // May 28, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Distributing at carpoool is super suggestion. It all goes back to what ex-executive board member said— he, too, talked about being approached in the carpool lane–get a new slate and then sell yourself.
We have also been told in an earlier post that students were also planning “something.” (I don’t recall which post). They could help distribute..BUT we need a flyer.
Also, I am eagerly awaiting what the students do have planned.
118 Mindy // May 28, 2007 at 8:54 pm
POST #114. THIS IS IMPORTANT. We do need to have a clear and brief way of explaining the difference between the two slates. a number of parents have not been following the content of this site. PLEASE—WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION BE?
119 Another Teacher // May 28, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Go check out the website www.hillel4change.org
I notice it’s been updated with the following. This may help us get the word out:
Dear Hillel Family,
It has come to our attention that people believe this slate was brought forth to oust Dr. Adam Holden. We wish to dispel this rumor immediately. To the contrary; we want to lend our collective knowledge and experience to help Dr. Holden make Hillel the real “ School of Excellence” that it can be. We feel, however, that the Slate for the Board of Governors that was proffered by Hillel’s Board of Governance does not represent a broad or experienced enough base to adequately advise Dr. Holden so that he can accomplish what he envisions for our school.
We believe this because of a series of painful events that transpired over the last several months at Hillel that began with a teacher performance evaluation process and culminated in the termination of many Hillel teachers. The perception of the manner in which this process was carried out and the lack of communication to the faculty and parents in its wake have created critical problems for Hillel that have not yet been addressed by this Board.
Below is our Platform. It outlines the problems that we believe are preventing the school from carrying out its mission, educating our children, as well as the solutions we propose if we are elected on June 6. We look forward to working with Rafa Russ and Gil Bonwit in implementing these solutions.
The Problems:
Teacher morale is at an all time low and many teachers that were not terminated are leaving of their own accord.
Because of the manner in which recent terminations were handled by the school, Hillel’s reputation in the educational community has been tainted making it very difficult for the administration to replace teachers that have been terminated or that have quit.
Though the impact is school wide, this problem has become most apparent in the High School, where they have still not hired most of the AP teachers required for this Fall. A High School that does not provide those basic courses can not be called a “ School of Excellence.”
Parents’ requests to discuss these issues with the administration and/or with the Board of Governors were dismissed, leaving many parents feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from the body that was “elected” to represent their concerns.
The community perceives an impending dilution of the Judaic studies curriculum and this perception has been exacerbated by the number of non-Jewish administrators rumored to be taking key positions at Hillel for next year.
Dr. Adam Holden is directly supervised by a committee of only three people, the same people that were responsible for hiring him, which may not give him the broadest and most diverse perspective to make adequate decisions that impact a large community.
The Solutions:
To provide an atmosphere that is respectful and professional for Hillel’s faculty and staff we would appoint a faculty ombudsmen and establish an appropriate staff grievance procedure that will allow teachers who feel that they are being treated unfairly to come forward in an anonymous way and have their concerns investigated and acted upon in a rapid, fair, and respectful manner.
To facilitate communication from the constituency of the school to the Board of Governors in order to help them make the most appropriate decisions for the school’s future we would create a Parent Liaison Committee that will have representatives from every constituency of the school, including parents from the ECE, Elementary, Middle, and High School, Theatre Department, Sports and Extracurricular Programming, and HIP.
To assist the school in making appropriate Judaic Studies curricular decisions and to aid it in determining its direction for the future, we would invite community Rabbis and scholars from the synagogues whose congregants attend Hillel to establish a Judaic Studies advisory counsel, so that Hillel’s Board of Governors can have adequate input from the community base whose educational needs Hillel was established to serve.
To broaden the perspective and diversify the group on whose advice Dr. Holden can base his decisions, we would expand the size of Dr. Adam Holden’s liaison committee to at least seven people including the Chairman of the Board of Governors, the Chair of the Parent Liaison Committee and other members of the Board of Governors.
120 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:10 pm
After reading the ideas of the new slate and I agree on many of its priciples However the idea of the Judaic advisory committeee is a bad one. There are competent Rabbis and Judaic leaders given the opportunity can give Hillel its Judaic needs. Presently the leadership in charge does not allow this to happen. Let the people who work there with their years of experience take charge and you will see a well balanced Judaic program. You are asking for disaster when allowing everybody to decide what type of Judaic program should be at Hillel.
121 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:13 pm
People like Rabbi Saks and Rabbi Kaplan have the knowledge to lead the school. Give them as well as others the opportunity to show it
122 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Yes, agreed - - Post #120 and #121 - - you have the right idea.
You see you will never please everyone - -but to please the majority can be achieved when the professionals are doing the planning.
The goal is to return HILLEL to a school of excellence by restoring respect and dignity to its beloved faculty, by putting the Jew back in Jewish edcuation and by recruiting and RETAINING EXCELLENT JEWISH ADMINISTRATORS.
The current board has been unable to do so, the current board has not provided appropriate guidance to the school administration and has allowed the administration to do as they saw fit - - this was the biggest mistake yet.
Vote for change - vote for restoration of an excellent Jewish day school!
123 anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:24 pm
SAVE HILLEL!
124 Anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:31 pm
I think that getting community leaders involved is a form of checks and balances that would enable the Judaic leaders at Hillel get the job done with the support they need because the board will know that the community is watching.
125 Anon // May 28, 2007 at 10:36 pm
PARENTS ARE TRULY NOT AWARE OF MANY OF THESE ISSUES
IT IS INCUMBENT UPON EVERY SINGLE TEACHER AND PARENT READING THIS BLOG TO GET THE WORD OUT TO SAVE HILLEL NOW
THE URGENCY CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH….
THE OTHER SIDE HAS MOBILIZED! GET OUT THERE, OPEN YOUR MOUTH TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, START TALKING NOW…
DISPEL THE MYTHS AND PRESENT THE FACTS!
126 Anonymous // May 28, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Agree with #120 and #121. How will Orthodox and Reform community rabbis agree on what Judaic studies should be taught at Hillel? More simple to stick with what always worked at Hillel - teach the Halachic, Orthodox way in school and then families are free to choose their level of observance outside of school. We’ve always had a diverse population but also always had respect for traditional Torah learning.
127 Mindy // May 28, 2007 at 11:10 pm
What always worked at Hillel — Jewish studies-wise– worked because we had the correct people in charge. I, too, was troubled at first when I read the Slate’s proposal for rabbinical community input. But, perhaps it is needed now because we have a non-Jewish head of school, because we have a Jewish head who does not know our community and is not a “people person,” and because we have so many non-Jewish administrators.
128 Anon // May 28, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Why do you assume that reform Rabbis are the rabbis being turned to?
When I read that I assumed Rabbi Davis, Rabbi Lipskar, Rabbi Pearlson…
maybe I’m not assuming correctly but I would think we’d be calling upon the rabbis that already have ties to us and our communities …??????????????????
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