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 http://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 http://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 http://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 …??????????????????
129 Ex-Exec Board Member // May 29, 2007 at 8:36 am
YOU NEED TO WIN THE VOTE!!
I just wanted to check in with you guys one last time in order to wish the alternative slate the best of luck in the coming election —–and maybe if you have a little patience with this old geezer, I can even help you win this thing.
I have been away from my computer for a while because the wife took sick for a spell and she’s the one that always gets me going when it comes to these kinds of matters. But she doing much better now and she’s back to hollering at me again.
I was happy to see that you got off your duffs and put a nice slate together. Our School really needs some more voices of reason and independence. I also must admit that I felt good about the possibility you actually read what I wrote about creating an oppositional slate a few weeks ago. You see at my age it feels good to be listened to once in a while.
Anyway after taking all my medications for the high blood pressure, prostate, diabetes, its hard to think straight sometimes. The slogan for my generation should be “just say yes to drugs”. So, what was I writing about again?—Oh the election.
THE ELECTION
Teachers—-you all actually have a vote—-this is how you regain your voice and vote;
Every Teacher should come to the annual meeting—they will not be able to intimidate you if you do so. This is how you vote;
Every Teacher should bring 2 voting parents to the meeting with them. You all know at least 2 parents that support you and parents will not show-up to vote unless you ask them—-That’s how you vote.
Alumni—same thing—you must vote too! —Bring voting parents with you.
THE MEETING
The meeting is only about the vote. Don’t expect to get any satisfaction from speaking, hollering, debating, etc. The President will tightly control the agenda and the meeting—- and even if you get a second to speak they will not listen to you anyway. The meeting is only about winning the vote.
In other words, members will come to the meeting with their minds made up. You will not be able to win votes at the meeting. The outcome will depend only on the work you do now until the day of the meeting.
I know for a fact that over Memorial weekend your opposition was busy calling parents to come to the meeting—-my niece, a Hillel parent got one of those calls. What were you all doing?? Time is short.
As for me, if I’m feeling up to it I will try to come too. As, I don’t have a vote anymore; a nice young lady who just happens to have a vote will escort me in. So, I will be there with gods help voting like you for the good guys.
Also, since I just read here that the President will resign if he has to give up a Board seat—and since you have no one running for President—maybe there is still hope for me. Did they make a new bylaw excluding octogenarians?
Heaven will be with you too…but only if you campaign and vote, vote and vote.
Good Luck!!
130 another mom // May 29, 2007 at 10:10 am
You have my vote!
By the way, I heard that board members were calling people over Shavuot. Did anyone receive a call on the Yom Tov? I find this highly offensive but at the same time indicative of the value the board members place on all things Jewish.
131 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:46 am
Who were the board members who made the calls?
132 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Ex Exec Board Member : Thank you!!!!!
We could use you.
133 You are amazing Ex-Exec Board Member // May 29, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Dear Ex Exec Board Member, You are amazing. Keep writing and you should be in charge of the meeting. Make sure you sit in the front. I think you should great all the parent’s at the door tell them how you think .You know more than anybody. We need you to help us win. I am a former Board Member also thanks so much for supporting us. What is your name? You are the best.. Parent’s need to listen to you. Teachers need to bring parent’s also. Great Job keep up the good work. You deserve the best of everything. Stay well.
134 another ex-exec board member // May 29, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Dear Ex-Exec Board Member: Your insight is right on but I will take exception to your comment that teachers should attend the meeting. Teachers are the most valuable asset that Hillel has but at the end of the day they are employees that need to maintain working relationships with the administration, parents and most of all their students. To encourage them to attend this meeting could put these critical relationships at risk. The staff could assign spokespersons to comment on their behalf so that their voices can be heard., But the teachers teach the students of all these parents irrespective of which slate they might be on and that relationship must be maintained. I feel for the teachers and fully support their right to be heard, I just dont think this is the place.
To all involved, please remember that the eyes of the student body will be on all of you and agree to disagree with civility. Good luck.
135 Anon // May 29, 2007 at 3:09 pm
To other ex-exec board member: These shaky relationships should not be endangered to begin with. But the current exec board has made these relationships suffer so much. I know you are well-intentioned, but shouldn’t the board reach out to the employees of the school (the teachers) and work on making these relationships work? If they don’t, what future does Hillel even have? You might as well encourage the teachers to look for other jobs since it’s seemingly “dangerous” for them to go to a meeting that dictates their futures!
The Hillel community is inclusive of teachers, and the teachers are still the lifeblood of Hillel. At the end of the day, they are employees that need to maintain working relationships with those people, but at the end of the day, they need to have a tolerable work environment and be able to witness the fate of the work environment too. At the end of the day, they still are the soul and body of Hillel. The board cannot and should not ever discount that.
Hillel’s blueprint to excellence might as well be flushed down the toilet if there are no teachers to carry it out.
136 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 29, 2007 at 4:31 pm
“Teachers are the most valuable asset that Hillel has but at the end of the day they are employees that need to maintain working relationships with the administration, parents and most of all their students. To encourage them to attend this meeting could put these critical relationships at risk.”
With all due respect, these relationships were put at risk a long time ago by the current board members who refuse to step up and protect teachers from the menaces running the school who axed some of our best.
In terms of risking their relationships with parents (and by default their children) who plan to reinstate the current board (as the teachers clearly are in favor of the NEW SLATE), the vote is a SECRET BALLOT.
Teachers have NO IDEA which parents will vote to protect them and which will vote in favor of their continued subjugation under dictatorship.
Therefore, it makes no difference whether teachers attend or not.
Relationships are not in jeopardy because teachers have no way of knowing which parents care about them and which are so ignorant as to have bought into all the propaganda spewed by these peddlers of lies.
Disgusting!
137 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 5:02 pm
“The worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.”
–John Stuart Mill
“The bottom line is that OUR TEACHERS ARE HILLEL – - THEY ARE OUR FOUNDATION AND THE REASON WE SEND OUR CHILDREN TO HILLEL.”
138 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 5:07 pm
“I feel for the teachers and fully support their right to be heard, I just don’t think this is the place.”
And where, pray tell, would that place be? It doesn’t seem to exist ANYWHERE at Hillel…therein lies the entire problem.
139 Rabbi Druin we want answers! // May 29, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Who will be in Charge of Judaics Studies In the High School Next Year? We heard its Rabbi Ackerman is that Correct? Why not Rabbi Kaplan? Who will be in charge of the Honor Society for the High School Next Year? That was Rabbi Kaplan job. Why are they taking Rabbi Kaplans jobs away. Rabbi Druin could you answer these questions for us?
140 Another Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Any place that is voting to decide the fate of teachers is a place where teachers have the right to be.
141 Mindy // May 29, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Remember 2 things:
1. A very very fine ex-executive board member is saying teachers can go to the meeting.
2. Avi Frier is covering this whole story..has been from its inception. Imagine if he writes that the current board barred teachers from the meeting……
142 Mindy // May 29, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Actually, remember a third thing:
3. Do not show up alone….heed the wise words: Bring 2 voting parents with you. THIS IS THE KEY.
143 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Parents will not allow any teacher to be turned away
144 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 6:22 pm
The ex-executive board members are encouraged to continue to advise us and we would love to see them at the meeting. It is they who worked tirelessly to make Hillel what it was and will be.
Please help us SAVE HILLEL!!!!
145 Hillel Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 6:39 pm
“DEVOTED-TO-HILLEL” PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND ALUMNI WHO WRITE ON THIS SITE AND READ EVERYTHING ON THIS SITE, HERE’S A REALITY CHECK FOR US. WE USE THIS SITE TO EXPRESS OURSELVES. THE CURRENT BOARD READS EVERYTHING WE SAY-CLOSELY. THEY READ HOW WE ARE TRYING TO ORGANIZE A CAMPAIGN TO BRING MUCH NEEDED CHANGES TO THE BOARD. MEANWHILE, THEY’RE MEETING AND PLANNING THEIR CAMPAIGN WITHOUT US KNOWING IN ADVANCE, WHAT THEY’RE DOING. THEREFORE, LET ME PROPOSE THIS TO YOU. WE NEED TO MEET TO COME UP WITH A PLAN OF ACTION, AND NOT MEET ON THIS SITE TO DO IT. THE FIRST THING I WILL DO IS CALL SOME OF THE NEW SLATE CANDIDATES AND FIND OUT WHAT THEIR STRATEGIES ARE BETWEEN NOW AND THE 6TH. I WILL TALK WITH THEM ABOUT A STRATEGY MEETING WITH THOSE PARENTS AND TEACHERS I KNOW WANT TO HELP. REMEMBER! WE CAN’T GIVE OUR PLANS AWAY ON THIS SITE FOR THE CURRENT BOARD TO READ!
146 Anon // May 29, 2007 at 7:24 pm
EXACTLY . THEY TAKE ALL THEIR CUES FROM THIS BLOG!!!
147 Anon // May 29, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Call the slate and strategize offline!!! Do it now!!
148 Hillel Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 7:43 pm
WHAT DO THE TEACHERS REALLY RISK?
Thank you all for your concerns toward us, the Hillel faculty. Many of us will be coming to the June 6th meeting. Honestly, most of us feel we have no other choice but to be there. Yes, we are “employees” of Hillel and we have supervisors and heads of this or that who we report to. You may think it’s pretty risky for us as “employees” to show up at this meeting, but many of us feel we’re risking a great deal more by NOT being there. You may ask how could the teachers be risking MORE by NOT attending this meeting? Let me try to explain:
· Our jobs are at stake anyway and we’ve been told that openly at faculty meetings all year.
· We have NO REPRESENTATION AT HILLEL AT ALL. We can’t be part of a union or an association, which could protect our rights.
· We’ve been removed from the PTA and replaced by a “PARENT-ONLY” HIP (Hillel Involved Parents) organization.
· Our contracts give us NO PROTECTION and we can be terminated for just about anything.
· We no longer have teacher representatives to the Board, as we did in the past.
· We’ve been told openly at faculty meetings if we don’t agree with the MISSION, there’s the door.
· We haven’t been given any form of a reasonable raise in the last 8 years.
· We’re humiliated through the use of sarcasm and intimidation at faculty meetings.
· We were the recipients of unethical evaluations performed by many untrained and unqualified persons.
· Where have our supervisors been to defend and support us?
· WE ARE ALONE IN ALL THIS!
WE RISK MORE BY NOT BEING THERE ON JUNE 6TH BECAUSE WE RISK GIVING UP OUR DIGNITY.
THEY CAN TAKE EVERYTHING ELSE AWAY FROM US, BUT WE WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO TAKE OUR DIGNITY, TOO.
WE WILL BE THERE WITH OUR DIGNITY IN TACT!
149 TEACHERS ARE WELCOME! // May 29, 2007 at 7:48 pm
The current executive board , and the President Rafa Russ, supports the teachers being at the meeting.
100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ask him if you have any doubt!!!
150 In all fairness... // May 29, 2007 at 8:02 pm
It seems to me that besides showing up at the meeting, the teachers should be unionizing.
151 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 8:03 pm
At this point, it is irrelevant what Rafa Russ says.
The teachers are welcome to come as they have done for so many years in the past.
If Rafa Russ truly had the best interest of our teachers and our school in mind, he would have provided strong leadership and would have taken a stand against the administrator he and his fellow board members hired. He has no backbone and neither do his counterparts. They cannot be forgiven for such misgivings. It is their lack of leadership that has allowed us to arrive at the juncture we are at in the first place.
TEACHERS – - -PLEASE COME AND JOIN US AS WE SAVE HILLEL!
152 Hillel Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 8:22 pm
We will! We’re on the same team!
153 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Hillel Teacher — call the new slate..I’m sure they’d love to hear from you!
154 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // May 29, 2007 at 9:52 pm
To one”Hillel Teacher” from another: You are the voice for those who choose to remain voiceless. Every point that you have made is so valid and unfortunately, so true. Readers please do not mistake our silence for apathy; we are just not accustomed to the latest “treatment” and we are very unsure about ways to “cure” it.
155 Hillel Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Anonymous- I’ve started calling. Thanks!
156 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Druin and Holden are now holding intimate meetings with 10 parents at a time telling them to vote in the current board.
157 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 29, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Yes–Hillel Teacher–thank you for being the voice of the voiceless
158 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:04 pm
“Hillel Teacher // May 29, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Anonymous- I’ve started calling. Thanks!”
TEACHERS: DO NOT GIVE ANY PLANS OR STRATEGIES AWAY ON THIS SITE ANY MORE. THE BOARD IS READING THAT. DO NOT GIVE THEM PRE-EMPTIVE AMMUNITION. NO MORE DISCUSSION ABOUT ANYTHING ON THIS SITE!
159 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Validation!!!
Good to know we are being taken seriously.
Interesting to hear he is showing up to those meetings – obviously his livelihood depends on it.
However, to the important meetings and events, such as the first annual Hillel Band concert, an alumni meeting, the annual spring concert (he left right after his 30 second speech), the uniform parent meeting and other meaningful events to the school and our children – - this he does not have time for.
His priorities are crystal clear to those of us who are watching!!! We have his number and glad to know HE KNOWS IT!
160 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:06 pm
They are running scared but do not underestimate the cult of personality. Slippery, dangerous, and many moves ahead of the game according to HBHA parents.
161 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:09 pm
anonymous lower case
you need to call the slate too!
162 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Yes, he is a calculated methodical individual who operates in a manner similar to David Koresh and other cult leaders!
He operates a cult based on intimidation and fear. Those who surround him are mezmorized by his words – - yet those on the periphery are wise to the same.
The err of deception in which he operates only transcends to those under his spell – - the rest of us see and understand the truth.
We will work together to SAVE HILLEL!
…..and WE WILL SUCCEED!
163 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:13 pm
They are mesmerized!! If we stick together, we will prevail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
164 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // May 29, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Hey guys! Let’s stay on track here and stick with the facts. Anyway, a cult leader can’t possibly come from England!
165 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:41 pm
and why is that?
166 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:42 pm
we are not being literal
167 good wolf // May 29, 2007 at 10:46 pm
aaagghhhh!
Anyone with enough charisma can become a cult figure all you do is combine that with unquestioning devotion by disembrained bodies…
168 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Excellent analysis!
169 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 10:51 pm
exactamundo!
170 Mindy // May 29, 2007 at 10:58 pm
RE: Holden and Druin holding “intimate meetings” and telling parents for whom to vote (post #155). I think this is another breach of ethics If our NEW SLATE does not make it, there is much that SACS needs to be apprised of. There have been SACS violations– clearly stated in other posts on this site
171 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:07 pm
ERIC Digest 120 — March 1998
Teacher Morale
By Linda Lumsden
Teachers are being stretched to the limit.
Expectations placed on them seem to be expanding exponentially.
In addition to being expected to deal with a smorgasbord of broader social problems that find their way into the classroom, many other pressures plague teachers, prompting Parks (1983) to ask, “How does one compensate professionals for inadequate books and supplies, large classes, disruptive students, public criticism, limited assistance, increased duties, and the lowest salaries paid to highly educated personnel in the nation?
How does one lead a group in which morale is so low that over 40 percent of survey respondents would not again select teaching as a profession and 57 percent are definitely planning to leave, will leave if something better comes along, or are undecided about staying?”
Although Parks posed these questions in 1983, it appears that similar levels of dissatisfaction persist among teachers today. For example, a survey of Texas public school teachers in 1996 found that 44 percent of respondents were seriously considering leaving the profession (Henderson and Henderson 1996).
This Digest examines factors that may influence teacher morale and offers suggestions for preserving or restoring morale.
What Is Teacher Morale?
Morale has been thought of variously as a feeling, a state of mind, a mental attitude, and an emotional attitude (Mendel 1987).
One source defines morale as the feeling a worker has about his job based on how the worker perceives himself in the organization and the extent to which the organization is viewed as meeting the worker’s own needs and expectations (Washington and Watson 1976).
Another author conceptualizes morale as “the professional interest and enthusiasm that a person displays towards the achievement of individual and group goals in a given job situation” (Bentley and Rempel 1980).
When a healthy school environment exists and teacher morale is high, “teachers feel good about each other and, at the same time, feel a sense of accomplishment from their jobs” (Hoy and Miskel 1987).
What Are Some Factors that Affect Teacher Morale?
As noted above, a healthy school environment and high teacher morale tend to be related. A principal’s ability to create a positive school climate and culture can affect teacher morale.
As Adams (1992) states, “Principals, who control many of the contingencies in the work environment and are the source of much reinforcement for teaching behavior, are the keys to improving the morale and self-esteem of teachers.”
A recent report on job satisfaction among American teachers identified “more administrative support and leadership, good student behavior, a positive school atmosphere, and teacher autonomy” as working conditions associated with higher teacher satisfaction (National Center for Education Statistics 1997).
Favorable workplace conditions were positively related to teacher’ job satisfaction regardless of whether a teacher was employed by a public or private school, an elementary or secondary school, and regardless of teachers’ background characteristics or school demographics (National Center for Education Statistics).
The study also found that “teachers in any school setting who receive a great deal of parental support are more satisfied than teachers who do not.” A weak relationship was found between teacher satisfaction and salary and benefits (National Center for Education Statistics).
Teachers’ perceptions of students and student learning can also affect their morale. In a cross-cultural study of teacher enthusiasm and discouragement that included teachers from the U.S. and six other nations, “Teachers clearly identified students as the primary and central factor that has an impact on both their professional enthusiasm and discouragement…. Teachers almost universally treasure student responsiveness and enthusiasm as a vital factor in their own enthusiasm, and conversely list low motivation in students as a discourager” (Stenlund 1995).
Because of their relative isolation from other adults, teachers have little opportunity to share their successes with colleagues and administrators. This results in greater reliance on student responsiveness for teachers’ professional satisfaction (Goodwin 1987).
Stress also affects morale. It can “result in emotional and physical fatigue and a reduction in work motivation, involvement, and satisfaction” (Stenlund). Feeling overly stressed can result in erosion of one’s idealism, sense of purpose, and enthusiasm.
Why Is Teacher Morale Important?
Miller (1981) notes that teacher morale “can have a positive effect on pupil attitudes and learning. Raising teacher morale level is not only making teaching more pleasant for teachers, but also learning more pleasant for the students. This creates an environment that is more conducive to learning.”
Morale and achievement are also related. Ellenberg (1972) found that “where morale was high, schools showed an increase in student achievement.”
Conversely, low levels of satisfaction and morale can lead to decreased teacher productivity and burnout, which is associated with “a loss of concern for and detachment from the people with whom one works, decreased quality of teaching, depression, greater use of sick leave, efforts to leave the profession, and a cynical and dehumanized perception of students” (Mendel citing Holt 1980).
In short, the morale of teachers can have far-reaching implications for “student learning, the health of the organization, and the health of the teacher” (Mendel).
What Steps Can Teachers Take To Preserve or Raise Their Morale?
Sometimes teacher morale drops almost imperceptibly over time, so subtly that teachers may not be fully cognizant of the decline.
Nothing can change, however, in the absence of awareness. If teachers to be encouraged, they must first recognize their diminished status that they are “discouraged and take action to become encouraged again” (Bolin 1987).
Reassessment, when coupled with renewal, can often lead to encouragement. Reassessment involves reexamining something in order to value it again (Bolin).
And renewal “implies recovery. To become renewed, teachers must reopen the case for teaching, looking again at why they chose to set out on such a vocational venture” (Bolin).
Berman (1987) also emphasizes the need for individuals “to give attention to the care and replenishing of self if they are to be dynamic, sensitive, perceptive persons who get excited about ideas and people. Teachers need to be able to keep the freshness and spark that frequently mark a novice in the field, while at the same time embedding freshness in wisdom and thoughtfulness.”
Berman advises teachers to consider what is uplifting and energizing for them and then work toward integrating those things more fully into their lives. She suggests breaking out of routines and doing the unusual, planning for next steps in professional development, developing a network of individuals to dialogue with, and investing fully in tasks at hand as routes to replenishment.
How Can Administrators Influence Teacher Morale?
People who feel empowered tend to have higher morale. As Maehr, Midgley, and Urdan (1993) state, “People are more personally invested in their work with an organization when (1) they have a voice in what happens to them ; and (2) their work has meaning and significance in contributing to a higher purpose or goal.”
When teachers’ sense of self-determination and purpose are supported, teachers relate to students in a qualitatively different manner (Maehr, Midgley, and Urdan).
By treating teachers in ways that empower them, such as involving them in decisions about policies and practices and acknowledging their expertise, administrators can help sustain teacher morale.
[DOES MASS FIRINGS COUNT?]
Principals can also strengthen teacher morale by actively standing behind teachers.
[HOW ABOUT BY FIRING THEM AND UNETICHALLY EVALUATING THEM?]
Effective principals serve as guardians of teachers’ instructional time, “assist teachers with student discipline matters, allow teachers to develop discipline codes, and support teachers’ authority in enforcing policy” (Blase and Kirby 1992).
Although teachers can take steps individually to preserve their professional satisfaction and morale, they must also be nurtured, supported, and valued by the broader school community. When teachers are provided with what they need to remain inspired and enthusiastic in the classroom, students as well as teachers will be the beneficiaries.
[NURTURING ENVIRONMENT, HUH?]
Resources
Adams, Charles F. ” ‘Finding Psychic Rewards in Today’s Schools’: A Rebuttal” Clearing House 65, 6 (July-August 1992): 343, 346-47. EJ465 147.
Bentley, Ralph R., and Averno M. Rempel. Manual for the Purdue Teacher Opinionaire. West Lafayette, Indiana: The University Book Store, 1980.
Berman, Louise M. “The Teacher as Decision Maker.” In Teacher Renewal: Professional Issues, Personal Choices, edited by Frances S. Bolin and Judith McConnell Falk. New York, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1987.
Blase, Joseph, and Peggy Kirby. Bringing Out the Best in Teachers: What Effective Principals Do. Newbury Park, California: Corwin Press, 1992. 156 pages. ED341 165.
Bolin, Frances S. “Reassessment and Renewal in Teaching.” In Teacher Renewal: Professional Issues, Personal Choices, edited by Frances S. Bolin and Judith McConnell Falk. New York, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1987. 244 pages. ED277 678.
Ellenberg, F. C. “Factors Affecting Teacher Morale.” NASSP Bulletin 56, 12 (December 1972): 76.
Goodwin, A. Lin. “Vocational Choice and the Realities of Teaching.” In Teacher Renewal: Professional Issues, Personal Choices, edited by Frances S. Bolin and Judith McConnell Falk. New York, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1987. 244 pages. ED 277 678.
Henderson, David L., and Travis W. Henderson. Texas Teachers, Moonlighting, and Morale: 1980-1996. Huntsville, Texas, 1996. 28 pages. ED398 179.
Hoy, Wayne K., and Cecil G. Miskel. Educational Administration: Theory, Research, and Practice. 3rd Ed. New York: Random House, 1987.
Maehr, Martin L.; Carol Midgley; and Timothy Urdan. “School Leader as Motivator.” Occasional Papers: School Leadership and Education Reform. Urbana, Illinois: National Center for School Leadership, 1993.
Mendel, Phillip Charles. An Investigation of Factors That Influence Teacher Morale and Satisfaction with Work Conditions. Doctoral dissertation. Eugene, Oregon: Division of Educational Policy and Management, University of Oregon, 1987. 106 pages.
Miller, William C. “Staff Morale, School Climate, and Education Productivity. Educational Leadership 38, 6 (March 1981): 483-86. EJ243 839.
National Center for Education Statistics. “Job Satisfaction Among America’s Teachers: Effects of Workplace Conditions, Background Characteristics, and Teacher Compensation.” Washington, D.C.: Author, July 1997.
Parks, David J. “Leadership in Times of Austerity.” Educational Leadership 40, 5 (February 1983); 11-13. EJ276 370.
Stenlund, K. Vern. “Teacher Perceptions Across Cultures: The Impact of Students on Teacher Enthusiasm and Discouragement in a Cross-Cultural Context.” The Alberta Journal of Educational Research 41, 2 (June 1995): 145-61. EJ508 939.
Washington, Roosevelt, and Hoyt F. Watson. “Positive Teacher Morale: The Principal’s Responsibility.” NASSP Bulletin 60, 399 (April 1976): 4-6. EJ149 639.
————————————————————
This publication was prepared with funding from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, under contract No. OERI RR93002006. The ideas and opinions expressed in this Digest do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of IES, ED, or the Clearinghouse. This Digest is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.
172 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Let’s focus on the positive and continue to move forward in support of the new slate and their impending action before we start embarking on any issue with SACS accreditation.
We have a lot going for us at this time. This is a democratic process in action. We must make it work. It will be a great media story as well.
There are a lot of players now who are working for the cause. There are individuals who had vested interest in past who are coming forward to help. They know how to get it done.
The current board realizes that the mobilization has taken hold and they are being held accountable. There was no such accountability and therefore NO communication. This is what has hurt them the most. The secret deceptive environment in which they and the administration operate has served to damage their efforts. Their intimidation and control tactics are now backfiring on their methodology. Their strategy of only sharing inforamtion on a “Need to Know” basis is not conducive to the environment in which a community school operates. This is the very reason things have escalated. They do not believe they need to answer to anyone. Perhaps that is what their advisor – the head of school has proferred as his advice.
They have no one to blame but themselves. This regime shall pass, these administrators will move on. However, the mistakes and misgivings of these board members will live on – people will not forget……and they will have to live with themselves……. no one will be able to help them with that.
Truth, integrity, and dignity will prevail as we move forward to SAVE HILLEL!
173 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:08 pm
yes. they’ve got an unfair advantage. It’s not like a public debate is going to be held to let both sides be heard. very unethical. surprised?
174 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:14 pm
keep mobilizing cuz they sure as heck already have!
175 anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:19 pm
As previously posted, they will keep tight control of the meeting – ONLY they will be permitted to speak and they will have the Head of School at the helm to deliver his State of School address. Once that is delivered, they will move to vote – - it is a very orchestrated deliverance with his embellished speech and flowery talk. Their hope is that he will razzle dazzle the parents with his lies and accent.
…and no one is surprised that this will be a one sided meeting – - if they don’t care about academic integrity – what makes anyone believe they care about running an ethical meeting.
The ByLaws clearly state that the Robert’s rules of order – are the way the meeting is to be run (parlimentary procedure).
Therefore, we must refer as many as we can to the website. They must be notified of the lies that they will be told. The teachers must continue to mobilize and get to those parents who do not know. They must be encouraged to attend the meeting.
Continue to spread the word. Our efforts will not be in vain.
We will SAVE HILLEL!
176 In all fairness... // May 29, 2007 at 11:30 pm
The bylaws also allow the proposed slate to speak on their own behalf.
177 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:33 pm
G-d Willing!
178 Anonymous // May 29, 2007 at 11:35 pm
“IF YOU WILL IT, IT IS NO DREAM”
THEODORE HERZL
179 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 7:52 am
post 171…Agreed. Teacher Morale is at an all time low. When teachers are happy students are happy and the atmosphere is better for learning.
180 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 7:54 am
We need the kind of leaders who know how to boost teacher morale! According to the article in 171, these leaders have failed miserably. Vote them out!
181 Mindy // May 30, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Teachers— you must call parents!!!! You must make them aware of the New Slate’s goals. You must ensure they will be present to vote. You must!!!!!!!
182 good wolf // May 30, 2007 at 4:31 pm
What morale?
I just found out that a teacher I know who had hope that a contract would come for next year will be replaced by a male.
I also heard, while sitting as a speck on a wall that the damage to morale is bad enough that a lot of people are considering ditching unless the new slate can go for it and solve the problem.
The morale is funerary. The jokes are black. The smiles are painted on. The twinkles in the eyes are tears and the Tums and Rolaids are habit forming….
aaaggghhh!
183 good wolf // May 30, 2007 at 4:32 pm
What morale?
I just found out that a teacher I know who had hope that a contract would come for next year will be replaced by a male.
I also heard, while sitting as a speck on a wall that the damage to morale is bad enough that a lot of people are considering ditching unless the new slate can go for it and solve the problem.
The morale is funerary. The jokes are black. The smiles are painted on. The twinkles in the eyes are tears and the Tums and Rolaids are habit forming…
aaaggghhh!
184 anonymous // May 30, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Remember – - this is just the beginning! If you want to make a difference and you want the new slate – - – YOU NEED TO MOBILIZE AND GET THE WORD OUT.
Each person must do their part. The incumbent slate has mobilized as well. However, do not stoop to their tactics — we can overcome using integrity and ethical campaign. This need not be a mudslinging election.
The truth is the only ones who stand to lose are our children and our teacher! …..and for me – - THAT IS ENOUGH TO IGNITE A 12 ALARM FIRE!!!
IF THAT IS NOT A REASON TO MOBILIZE., I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS!
185 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 5:48 pm
that’s right Mindy, teachers need to pick up telephones themselves to undo the spin coming from the current side. This is a team effort. No one can do it alone. Every player and every move counts!
186 Aaron // May 30, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Someone from Hillel4Change should send out an official press release to all the local Jewish papers (and to the Herald and the Sentinel).
Also, a press release to The Jewish Week here in New York couldn’t hurt.
187 Anonymous // May 30, 2007 at 7:25 pm
What a nauseating piece of propaganda I just received in the mail. If it weren’t so tragic it would be funny. The board is repeating all their lies and their support for the “permanent Head of School, Dr. Adam Holden.”
Are they deaf or just dumb? Do they really believe their lies?
188 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Can they legally use the term “Dr”?
189 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 8:03 pm
which propaganda is that…do tell
190 anonymous // May 30, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Yes, unfortunately, they do believe it as they have been brainwashed to do so.
This entire strategy is orchestrated and methodically planned as he is a master of deception and trickery. He has mobilized his cult – - as a cult leader – he reigns supreme and controls those within his inner circle – -
Watch carefully at the meeting – - notice how these individuals sit and stare in a daze as the words flow from his mouth. It is a very scary site. He relishes the captive audience.
To #189 – the propaganda being referred to is the mailing received today from Rafa Russ and his “team” – - only listing those individuals up for re-election – - what happened to the rest of the board members – - are they not part of the team because they have positions?
Who are they kidding – - a Jewish school needs a Jewish and Student Life Division – - (this is a division that is needed in a secular school – not a day school)
This is the fist time that there are expectations for grade levels and curriculum – - NO – - Dr. Wander had created the curriculum map for the elementary school years ago and did a fantastic job. This document was published and mapped and exceeded the State of Florida Sunshine Standards. The school spent thousands of dollars to now print program guides.
Hillel opened new classes – - yes – due to the influx of families from the south and central american countries – we needed to open classes as they fled to freedom.
Fundraising has exceeded its annual goal – - it took 5 years as the NEW PEOPLE disregarded the former trustees, their families, and prior board members (who knew what they were doing)- – so of course, they stopped giving. You can’t throw people away and then expect them to open their pockets (….and they can give!)
The school endowed a Chair for the Performing Arts. In case they don’t remember, Dr. Michael Andron (who has a real doctorate) embarked on the Theater program years ago with the assistance of Ricki Rothstein. It is they who worked tirelessly to attain this – - – NOT this Board or Dr. Holden.
The tract of land – - had absolutely nothing to do with Dr. Holden – - there was one plot owned by an elderly man who would not sell – - (Ask Michael Scheck – he can tell you the history) ….and as far as the zoning – - there was a moratorium for zoning and therefore land use could not be converted – - IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH DR. HOLDEN!!!!
For the first time – - we have a permanent Head of School Dr. Holden – - – oh YES – the Head of School with the bogus Doctoral Degree obtained from a diploma mill (as indicated by the US Department of Education) from California Coast University (a NON_ACCREDITED SCHOOL). (By the way, according to the new High School dress code – - only Sweatshirts from ACCREDITED universities can be worn) HOW IRONIC IS THAT!!!
This board is off its rocker!!!!
They state our kids deserve excellence — – THIS IS TRUE !!!
Excellence may not be obtained or attained without academic integrity, without respect and dignity towards our top notch teachers, without respect and communication with our parents, and without qualified Jewish Administrators that have knowledge, education and understanding of Judaism.
Excellence cannot be attained through intimidation, deception, lies, hipocracy, and strong arm tactics.
It is our duty as teachers, parents, alumni, community members and interested parties to speak the truth, spread the word and move forward for positive change through Integrity, Derech Eretz, and open, honest communication in support of the ALTERNATIVE SLATE – - – TO SAVE HILLEL!!!!!
SPREAD THE WORD – - LINK BOTH SITES AND MOBILIZE – - – THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL.
191 Anonymous // May 30, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I particularly liked the part about building a state of the art high school – one where no teacher in their right mind would venture because of the way teachers are treated at Hillel. I would like to see the board address whether the high school students will have any teachers next year. I have spoken to HS parents who think they might have to pull their kids out for this reason.
192 Mindy // May 30, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Ok, everyone. Enough complaining. Whatever they are doing, they are doing.
The point is—what are WE doing???!!! Make those phone calls. The parents must show up for the vote. This is the bottom line. Period.
We cannot control what they do; we can control what we do. So…..start doing it NOW.
193 Anon // May 30, 2007 at 10:59 pm
They have already hit the phones BIG TIME!
The KEY TO WINNING NOW is making those calls to parents.
Parents and teachers both need to do this. Right now in REAL TIME IN THE REAL WORLD. Time is of the essence!!!
Get moving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
194 good wolf // May 30, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Get going on this!
thanks!
195 A MAD LAWYER // May 30, 2007 at 11:39 pm
ELECTION FRAUD AT HILLEL??
I too got that mailer full of misstatements and exaggerations today and have a few questions. I noticed it had a mailing label with my name on it, which means that Hillel released the School mailing list to Rafa Russ and the Board.
I called representatives of the alternate slate and was told that Russ will not release the same list to the oppositional slate.
Now while I am a lawyer, (and parent), at the School, I don’t profess to be an expert or have any knowledge of election law. But I know a rat when I see and smell a rat and this really stinks.
I read the by-laws and I have never seen a more one-sided document, that bestows unlimited power to the Schools Executive branch, with no voice to any other constituency at the School—parents, teachers alumni,etc—-and I have read many similar documents in my career.
So basically, in my view, this last action is at a minimum, unethical and an abuse of power, and at a maximum, outright election fraud.
I am going to write the Board about this and let them know what a great job they are doing in protecting their power and positions rather than protecting our children , our Judaic principles and our beloved teachers.
I urge you to do the same.
[Editor's note: The rest of post was edited by site administrator. It contains sensitive information that can put me in the hotseat.]
196 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 9:07 am
They are running a very dirty campaign.
I too heard that they refused to relinquish the parent email address list to new slate who are now asking all of us to give them our emails.
I am disgusted. They have no morals and they have no shame about that fact.
And these are the people who are supposed to lead the school and set an example.
They are setting some example alright!!!
197 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 9:11 am
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve got fraudulent election tricks up their sleeves . They will probably do every dirty thing in the book “under the letter of the law” to rig the election in their favor and there is virtually no way to stop them. I won’t elaborate. Perish the thought that I give them any ideas.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
198 Akiva Cohen // May 31, 2007 at 9:24 am
Folks . . . there is no election law covering private school boards – so can we stop throwing out inflammatory words like “fraud”? (Mad Lawyer, as a lawyer, you should know better than that. Come on.) It might be nice to give the alternate slate the mailing list, but they don’t have any legal obligation to be nice.
And if you really think they will “rig the election” . . . well, let me be the first to say I think you’ve gone too far in your animus for these people. Whether you agree with what they have done or not, at least give them the respect of knowing that they are doing what they think is best for the school.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN USE
Go to the carpool pickups, and when you talk to parents about why there needs to be a change, apologize for having to bother them in school.
Tell them that you would have sent out a mailing, but that the executive board isn’t willing to let you have equal access to what you need to campaign.
Then ask them to think about what that says about the board, whether it suggests that they are afraid that they would lose if they allowed a free exchange of ideas, and if they really want people who stoop to such levels making decisions about whats best for Hillel’s children.
Honestly, if that doesn’t get the point across, nothing will. Take what they give you, and use their own failings against them.
199 Mindy // May 31, 2007 at 9:27 am
Perhaps each of us (those of us who are calling parentss) can ask the parents for their email addresses…if they give emails to us directly……and we have permission from these parents to send them information from the new slate.
Also, to Mad Lawyer: I hope you are doing more than just writing a letter to the Board. Let your parent-friends know about this. Have them call other parents, etc. And thank-you!!!!! There is nothing like a “mad lawyer.”
200 Mindy // May 31, 2007 at 9:30 am
Akiva Cohen: A practical and viable suggestion!
201 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 9:49 am
I love that mad lawyer!
Why aren’t more people livid and irate that these people don’t play nicely???
We tell our children to act with civility and to demonstrate sportsmanship on the field to the other team, and then we don’t model that behavior ourselves? How hypocritical!
Akiva: Don’t be so quick to assume that fraud won’t occur. There are some who do play fairly and just want the best and there are several others who fight dirty. You don’t even know the half of it.
To not give the parent email list to the new slate is extremely loathsome and repugnant. I am sure several current BOARD MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO do so , but can’t fight the majority by themselves–This board instills fear in their fellow board members!!!!! These intimidation and unfair election tactics mar the reputation of this school and are destroying its very foundation.
202 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 9:51 am
That’s a great idea Mindy. I think anyone who has parent email addresses should give them to the new slate as soon as possible.
203 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 9:56 am
For the lawyer who read the bylaws, if someone had not posted them to this website you probably would never have even gotten to see a copy of them. They took them off the Hillel website!!
204 Akiva Cohen // May 31, 2007 at 10:19 am
Anon: I’m sure there are people who fight dirty. But I am not willing to assume that fellow members of my community – be it the Hillel, Jewish or simply human community – will act in that manner. Call me naive, but I’m with Anne Frank: for the most part, people are good and upstanding. And I am absolutely unwilling to believe that even if one or two people on the board are exceptions to that rule (and I have no idea that they are, but even if that were true) the other board members would allow anyone to rig their election.
Honestly, if you allow your disagreement with the current board and the people who will vote for it to fester into personal animus, then the results of the election will be irrelevant, because the Hillel family will already have broken beyond repair. I’m not suggesting you need to “turn the other cheek” when people do you wrong – to the contrary, what’s going on here needs to be fought. But fight the problem, not the people, and remember that you are family.
I’ll tell you what – the worst things I’ve seen in my short career as a litigator have been family fights. They are vicious, and nasty, and inherently and deeply sad. Please, all of you, don’t let that happen here.
205 New Slate Candidate // May 31, 2007 at 10:20 am
Just to clarify — we did receive the mailing list — it is the e-mail list that we don’t have. Please don’t chastise the Board for not sharing the mailing list.
206 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 10:29 am
I fear that it is already broken beyond repair. We’ll see.
I do not harbor personal animosity. Just total disgust for things I’ve seen and heard that you have no inkling of.
207 Another Teacher // May 31, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Ethics?????????????
These people used Ikey and Elena to pitch for Holden last night at the graduation; is it ethical to ask students to make such a sales pitch? Did the students even have a choice? This is just so wrong!
208 Anon // May 31, 2007 at 1:02 pm
New Slate Member can you please clarify
people on the blog are discussing that they gave their EMAIL addresses to you because the board would not give them over even though they themselves are able to use parent EMAILS for the campaign
Many have been asked for their emails
209 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 1:09 pm
They have not given over the Email list only the regular mail list
210 Anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 1:10 pm
that’s why many of us were asked to give them our emails
211 Golda Meir // May 31, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I just noticed that the new slate added a Contact Us link on their website…
212 Mindy // May 31, 2007 at 3:03 pm
RE: the by-laws:
As per SACS, these must be “on- site and readily available .”
213 MAZEL TOV TO RABBI LEFKOWITZ AND MICHELLE HOLCMAN ON THE DEDICATION OF THE YEAR BOOK. // May 31, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lefkowitz and Michelle Holcman on receiving the dedication of the High School Year Book Last Night. Can anybody imagine that the current ADMINSTRATORS FIRED THIS WONDEFUL RABBI WHO ARE CHILDREN LOVED.THANKS TO OUR HILLEL STUDENT’S and THE PARENT’S and THE SAVE HILLEL SITE ,WE BROUGHT RABBI LEFKOWITZ BACK.THIS SAYS IT ALL VOTE JUNE 6, FOR THE NEW SLATE.
214 We Want Answers Today! // May 31, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Graduations for Seniors is Over? Thank’s to the kids of Hillel that Thanked Rabbi Kaplan for helping in all he did this year. Rabbi Druen and Dr.Holden what Title are you going to give Rabbi Kaplan for next year? We all want to know before JUNE 6,2007. Rabbi Druen and Dr. Holden did you thank Rabbi Kaplan for helping you get out of the BIG MESS YOU CREATED IN THE HIGH SCHOOL?Parent’s VOTE JUNE 6, for OUR NEW SLATE IF YOU WANT TO SAVE THIS SCHOOL.
215 Anon // May 31, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Maybe they can magically reappear?
216 anonymous // May 31, 2007 at 6:08 pm
The use of our children as poster children for their campaign is inexcusable and irreprehensible. However, it is not surprising as they do not value anything but their power and authority.
Let’s continue to focus on the positive. Get the word out !!
217 Icecube // May 31, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Here here!
218 Mindy // May 31, 2007 at 9:44 pm
I can’t shake these thoughts….impervious, invincible, hubris. The downfall is inevitable.
219 Anon // May 31, 2007 at 10:06 pm
The story is still unfolding.
We are now midway through the tragic progression.
We will experience the uplifting.
220 good wolf // Jun 1, 2007 at 5:53 am
Anon // May 31, 2007 at 10:06 pm
You may be right.
However, they gave us exit interview packages yesterday…
221 Hillel Teacher // Jun 1, 2007 at 6:45 am
FACULTY SUPPORT FOR THE NEW SLATE
PARENTS: The reason why the majority of the HILLEL FACULTY is supporting the NEW SLATE is because the CURRENT BOARD (except for 2 members) has:
· has abandoned us
· has not demonstrated support for us
· is not interested in communicating
with us
· has shown NO interest in listening to
us
· has not shown concern for our issues
· HAVE HUNG US OUT TO DRY!
222 anonymous // Jun 1, 2007 at 11:46 am
What kind of exit interview packages are being referred to – - to whom were the packages given, what did they contain and for what purpose were they provided
Parents who leave are not approached for interviews. So what is this for?
223 sara // Jun 1, 2007 at 11:53 am
I would like to clarify… I am supporting the NEW SLATE because of
…lack of respect shown to parents and faculty
…lack of Jewish administrators and an overall “Jewish feeling”
… a repressive environment
…lack of integrity and ethics
…abuse of power
…the stripping away of all that made Hillel the wonderful school it was
224 Mindy // Jun 1, 2007 at 11:55 am
What do you mean–exit interview package?
225 anonymous // Jun 1, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Ask # 218 – that was my question
226 Anon // Jun 1, 2007 at 3:29 pm
exit packages are probably being given to the nonrenewed teachers
227 good wolf // Jun 1, 2007 at 4:05 pm
exit interview packages are very important to non-renewed contractees and to those who resign.
The key is not to vent emotional stuff but to be forthright, honest, clear and logical. there is a series of questions to answer and a discussion to have with human resources.
The key here is to cover your deriaire, make as nice as you can and to photo-copy your material before you turn it over.
Oh, and human resources cannot become a reference, just verification.
Ask your supervisor for a reference.
Smile a lot.
Stay calm.
Simmer.
softly.
tippy-toe.
Above all, find a way to avoid an ulcer!
228 Hillel Teacher // Jun 1, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Are you aware that Hillel MAY NOT GIVE REFERENCES FOR TEACHERS? The personel department is only permitted to give perspective employers dates of employment and eligibility for rehire.
229 Hillel Teacher // Jun 1, 2007 at 7:22 pm
By the way, supervisors at Hillel are also not permitted to give out references.
230 Anonymous // Jun 1, 2007 at 7:35 pm
They do this to protect themselves from legal liability but it’s really not nice at all.
231 Hillel Teacher // Jun 1, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Anonymous- You are correct. This does protect Hillel from legal liability. The “no reference” policy was instituted a number of years ago after some Hillel teachers were terminated, yet were given good references from Hillel. This did put Hillel in a bind and I believe they lost a lawsuit filed by these teachers. So, yes, this policy does protect Hillel from legal action brought against
the school.
232 good wolf // Jun 1, 2007 at 9:11 pm
You know, that rots.
I have a friend who wanted to work in Public School but she’d been in Alternative Ed for six years. Her employment could be verified BUT with no reference form or letter she could not be hired, except as a sub (sub with Master Degree).
She no longer lives in Florida…no jobs for her here…
233 Anon // Jun 2, 2007 at 4:25 pm
What will Rabbi Kaplan job be next year? Does anybody know that? The parent’s want answers. He should be put in Adminstrator Postion. He did Save the High School this year. We need to keep our Excellent Teachers Happy. We Heard they took the Honor Society Job away from Rabbi Kaplan why? Who is giving Rabbi Druen the permisson of doing this? Board Members you put Rabbi Druen in Power. Now you need to talk to him. Let him know that Rabbi Kaplan is a very well respected Rabbi he should be running the school. He has been at Hillel 16 years and he cares about all the student’s and teacher’s and parent’s. Every school would want somebody as good as Rabbi Kaplan. June 6, Our Board will change this. So parent’s make sure you vote for the New SLATE THESE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING.
234 good wolf // Jun 2, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Did you know that school districts require a reference form from your previous teaching position?
see: (page 3 of this pdf)
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/teacher/Update%20application04.pdf
235 Anonymous // Jun 2, 2007 at 10:41 pm
get a letter that says your place of employment doesn’t give them to ANYONE
236 anonymous // Jun 3, 2007 at 12:21 am
Excellent – - or get references from parents associated with the school.
237 anonymous // Jun 3, 2007 at 12:21 am
….or from your teaching colleagues.
238 Mindy // Jun 3, 2007 at 12:22 am
As far as I know has been Hillel policy for many years— even when Irv Canner was still with us. Hillel merely will say the person was an employee for _____ years.
239 anonymous // Jun 3, 2007 at 12:30 am
May he rest in peace. He must be rolling in this grave!
240 Another Teacher // Jun 3, 2007 at 11:04 am
Another person who must be rolling in his grave is Dr. Levy.
Why didn’t Rafa Russ give credit to Dr. Jerome Levy at the graduation when he mentioned the formation of the Hillel Alumni Association that was Dr. Levy’s vision???????????
This is yet another glaring omission. Not giving credit where credit is due is indeed a sign of flawed leadership.
241 Icecube // Jun 3, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Mmmmm…
242 anonymous // Jun 3, 2007 at 8:54 pm
The reason is that the president of the board has no roots in the school and does not even know who Dr. Levy was.
If they want to continue to run the school, these individuals must be educated on the history of the school, its roots, its founders, and the important milestones along the way. They cannot continue to brush the past under the rug as if it did not exist. They must acknowledge the work done by previous board members, trustees, and founders. After all, with out those individuals, there would be NO school. They must respect, acknowledge, and understand what the past was all about in order to move forward. By continuing to disregard and disrespect all of the work that was done prior to the “new” regimes, will continue to destroy the foundation on which this very school was built.
Again, without the hard work of the prior boards, founders, etc, there would be NO Hillel today.
The past cannot be changed, but its lessons and foundation can serve as stepping stones to the future. Without a strong foundation, the walls will crumble. To continue to disregard all that was done to build the school, will serve as destruction in our midst. The administration and many of these “new” found board members with a couple of bucks in their pockets, do not hold a candle to the leadership, wisdom, and fortitude of their predecessors.
They are encouraged to learn from the past as a lesson to build towards the future.
There is much to be learned!
243 good wolf // Jun 3, 2007 at 9:18 pm
The old board must muster and leave and the new board must have a sense history and a lotta guts to change the mistakes
244 Anon // Jun 4, 2007 at 6:25 pm
That’s what I love about RAMAZ’s website.
They have at least 7 web pages dedicated to the founders and their legacy.
They do not forget their roots or heritage.
Their founding fathers are not rolling in their graves like ours are.
http://www.ramaz.org/public/mission.cfm
245 Anon // Jun 4, 2007 at 6:25 pm
We WILL take this school back!
246 good wolf // Jun 4, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Yes!
247 anonymous // Jun 4, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Let’s do it!
248 ANONYMOUS // Jun 6, 2007 at 11:53 pm
NEW SLATE!!!!!LOL!!!!CRASHED AND BURNED…YOU GUYS OBVIOUSLY OVERESTIMATED YOURSELVES…NOW WE CAN REALLY GO FORWARD WITH THE PLAN TO MAKE HILLEL TRULY A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE…THE VOTERS VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD!!!!
249 Michael Newman // Jun 7, 2007 at 7:39 am
Anonymous – it is that kind of speech that makes everyone who supported the new slate think that the people that supported the old slate are ignorant fools. You obviously, are one of the captains of the ignorant fool team.
You say “NOW WE CAN REALLY GO FORWARD WITH THE PLAN TO MAKE HILLEL TRULY A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE.” You must be a fool because I graduated from a school of excellence back in 2001. What are you talking about?
FYI, there is a difference between overestimation and hope. Supporters of the new slate HOPED that parents would see what was happening. FOOL, FOOL, FOOL.
Have fun trying to solicit alumni for donations…
250 NonnyDonny // Jun 7, 2007 at 8:15 am
Especially after you kicked me off campus…