This was sent to me as a PDF. If you did not read the newspaper, here’s your chance to do so: click here.
Avi, please advise us when the letters are published online so that I can direct readers to your website instead.
Florida Jewish News Letters to the Editor: Readers respond to “Hillel Voters Resist Change”
June 28th, 2007 · 81 Comments
Tags: Voices
81 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2007 at 12:09 am
Love Mr. Russ’s backpedaling, covering up, and outright lying.
2 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2007 at 7:58 am
This whole issue is an absolute shame.
Hillel has always graduated top not students. They have always attended college and become professionals. The teachers were happy, respected, and well liked. The environment was warm, nurturing, caring, friendly and welcoming. There was respect for the school, the teachers, and one another.
So…..what happened.
For so many years, this school had a wonderful executive board, composed of individuals who had their heart and soul in the school. They understood the workings and runnings of a Jewish Day School. They may not have had any more children in the school but were putting forth their efforts for the sake of future generations. They had no alterior motives or agendas to accomplish. Additionally, they had the connections, the time, and the financial support to get things accomplished.
….so what happened.
Enter the neuvo riche…. with agendas related to their children and how they want the school to be like Pinecrest, Ransom, and University School. They were not interested in the strong Jewish education - - or religion. Frankly, they just don’t understand the foundation it provides both educationally, analyticially, or otherwise. They think it will make their kids religious and they don’t want that.
They are disrespectful of others, egocentric, rude to teachers, and think their money can buy them out of anything. Their children are late to class, they take vacations during the school year/school days, etc.
They work to overturn and unseat these board members. They are insulting, condescending and rude. The old board members walked away and took their support with them. These new people basically broke the roots of the school. They have no understanding of history, the need for a solid foundation, the guidance of wise seasoned individuals who have experience. Instead they look to consulting firms who are in and out, have not stake in the future and are in the business to earn a living.
In any event, we have what we have today due to these individuals wanting to have and always be something the school and themselves are not. They are always concerned with being like everyone else yet never grounded in reality.
By always looking towards the future, no time and attention is given to the present. It is the present that we must be concerned with. It is our school, our students and our teachers who need us.
We have not heeded the warnings of the Hyman Brand school who had nothing to gain by sharing their wisdom and experiences that they had and we are experiencing. It is the board who has chosen to disregard the present for an uncertain future.
We are at a very dangerous turning point in the life cycle of our beloved school. A school that has graduated so many wonderful, upstanding Jewish professionals. A schools whose dedicated teachers have always made a difference in the lives of the children they touched. A school whose alumni yearn to come back and see those teachers, their roots and accomplishments.
….don’t let the light burn out, its burned for so many years.
…..don’t let the light burn out, let it shine through our love and out tears.
Keep the light burning, and do all you can to Save Hillel for our children and OUR TEACHERS! They are the LIFEBLOOD OF OUR SCHOOL!
3 anonymous // Jun 29, 2007 at 9:15 am
Here! Here!
4 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2007 at 10:31 am
Post #2:
An insightful and accurate summary. Those of us who have been around for many years know full well what we have lost and the destruction being caused by clueless new, mostly young ” leaders” who care nothing for Hillel’s past.
Specifically, all this nonsense about integrating Judaic and General curriculum is nothing more than a gimmick designed to deflect attention away from the larger problems of disrespected teachers and a deceitful leadership. Also to try and show how “Jewish” our school will be under their leadership.
The truth, as those of use who have been around for a while know, is that Hillel’s teachers have always worked together to infuse both the curriculum and all activities with Jewish life. To deny or belittle that, as Russ did in his letter to the editor, is an insult to our teachers who accomplished this, not because of any directives, but simply because of their devotion to Jewish education.
Now we will have non-Jewish administrators who will share responsibility for Judaic studies. Will we also have non-Jewish teachers who will be forced to incorporate Jewish studies into their secular curriculum? In math? Language Arts? How? More importantly, why? They are trying to fix something is is not broken. I repeat that there has always been integration where it was appropriate, such as in history or reading lessons. Done by teachers out of concern and respect for our mission. No new department with Assistant Principal salaries was necessary.
The Board needs to wake up and take responsibility for the problems created by the administration they so blindly support. They need to focus attention on the real problems. They need to stop trying to prove how Jewish they are making our school and just leave in place a rigorous Judaic curriculum.
In short, they need to model themselves after JEWISH schools of excellence and not look to the non-Jewish world for their ideas on how to run a Jewish school.
Our graduates were always sought after by top school precisely because of the rigorous dual curriculum. Hillel always knew how to be excellent; the new leadership denies that, belittles past accomplishments that pre-date them, takes credit for accomplishments that are the result of TEACHER’s efforts and then offers the teachers a healthy dose of disrespect.
Then they spin everything to make it look like they are without blame for any of the problems they have created.
Maybe they should be running for president.
5 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // Jun 29, 2007 at 10:43 am
For the most part, teacher morale has always been at the low end, but NEVER like this. Since our new administrators have taken “charge” we have been the direct target of insulting remarks, harsh treatment, and unfair contract practices. Once again…a first. I guess the only way to bring public attention to the real issues at Hillel which have been rehashed on this website many times over is for a teacher to write a letter to the editor and recount the truth (and this is a good probability). But the question remains: Would it help the cause? It is obvious that the board just does not believe us or just does not care!! If they did, we would have recieved a public apology from Dr. Holden and Rabbi Druin,
6 Anonymous // Jun 29, 2007 at 10:44 am
Yes, the ironic thing is that some of these individuals are Hillel graduates. Not only are they successful in their own right but they went to good Universities. To deny the fact that Hillel has been excellent is counterproductive to their cause.
They should be ashamed of themselves. They are ruining the foundation established by the founders of the school.
7 Aaron // Jun 29, 2007 at 11:08 am
Dear Hillel Teacher’s Association “Wanna-Be” Member,
I think a direct letter from a teacher (or teachers) would help the cause.
No longer would They be able to pretend that it’s not real (or as bad as it actually is) because no one from the inside is coming forth publicly.
We would at least force The Powers That Be would have to spin a new story.
I’m begging a teacher- any teacher- (even a well respected teacher who decided not to come back next year) please write something.
Please.
8 Jessica Fishbein // Jun 29, 2007 at 11:34 am
I agree with Aaron. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet. You can always find another job.
9 Jessica Fishbein // Jun 29, 2007 at 11:37 am
For the future Jewish leaders whose fates are on the line, I believe teachers, including or even especially the Rabbis, have a responsibility to the future of Jewish youth (I myself am a proud product of Jewish education), to speak the truth now.
10 Jessica Fishbein // Jun 29, 2007 at 11:55 am
Posters 4 and 5 have accurately summed up this very sad state of affairs. Parents and teachers have corroborated these ideas again and again and again.
11 a former teacher // Jul 1, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Dear Aaron,
I’m sorry to disagree with you, but I don’t think that the administrators care. In my case, Holden lied to my face about my record, and then told my colleagues a different story. Fellow teachers went to the new principal on my behalf, but he really did not care, instead he deferred the issue to Holden or Ana Baker. Don’t be fooled, the current adminsitrator is a very shrewd person, and his only interest his for himself — not for the school. When Dr. Levy and Rabbi Finkelstein were at the school — it was whole. They truly believed in the school and their first goal was to see the school thrive. Unfortunately for Hillel, Holden really only wants to see his bank account thrive. When his contract is up, and another school offers him more money than Hillel, watch how fast he leaves.
12 Anonymous // Jul 1, 2007 at 7:36 pm
“When his contract is up, and another school offers him more money than Hillel, watch how fast he leaves.”
From your mouse to G-d’s ears - and better sooner than later.
13 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // Jul 1, 2007 at 8:06 pm
To former teacher: In regard to Rabbi Finkelstein and Dr. Levy…the work ethic, the dedication, the genuine caring for the individual and not just the “whole”… they had it all. Sadly, all this is gone, but not forgotten. Dr. Barbieri , by the way, can also be included in that group. Unfortunately, from what we have seen, Dr. Holden and Rabbi Druin lack in all of the above qualities that create that “warm nuturing environment”…so desperately needed at Hillel. I truly question how effective leadership via mutual respect can exist any longer as the faculty pretty much recognizes the “frauds”.
14 Aaron // Jul 2, 2007 at 9:49 am
The administrators care about one thing: public perception.
That is why only a non-anonymous letter from a teacher who has worked at Hillel this past year can produce some sort of results.
At best, the administration will have to admit fault. (We know the won’t happen.)
Most likely, it will force them to spin. And the more they spin, the more likely they are of getting caught in their own lies and then BOOM! there goes their public perception.
So please… someone… publish a letter!
15 Jessica Fishbein // Jul 2, 2007 at 11:03 am
former teacher on the thread ¨Are We Losing More Teachers¨:
¨She [the parent who this teacher ran into] told me that it was good that someone like Holden came to the high school to “clean up the mess” that it had become. There were teachers there who did not complete plan books, left campus all of the time and who were not teaching their subject. She continued by saying that the students were allowed to do whatever they wanted because the teachers were not doing their jobs. All of this information she had heard from board members — NEVER ONCE had she asked a high school teacher about what was really going on in the high school. As I tried to refute the accusations she had made, she had a blank, distant look on her face — she did not care. As far as she was concerned, Holden was the answer to Hillel´´
I,too, have heard these same words from several parents now. The statements above reflect what the majority of Hillel parents now believe. I have corrected many of the misconceptions with regard to specific teachers (i.e. teachers that I, the alumni, and current students rave about and are extremely familiar with) when I personally ran into parents happenstance around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the number of Hillel parents I now interact with is quite small.
´´a former teacher // Jul 1, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Dear Aaron,
I’m sorry to disagree with you, but I don’t think that the administrators care. In my case, Holden lied to my face about my record, and then told my colleagues a different story. Fellow teachers went to the new principal on my behalf, but he really did not care, instead he deferred the issue to Holden or Ana Baker. Don’t be fooled, the current adminsitrator is a very shrewd person, and his only interest his for himself — not for the school. When Dr. Levy and Rabbi Finkelstein were at the school — it was whole. They truly believed in the school and their first goal was to see the school thrive. .´´
Aaron, I am sorry to say that this former teacher has summed up this situation up as it now stands. I have heard these same words now from too many teachers to disregard them. After reading this post, I realize that this teacher is right. A published letter isn´t going to do much good in terms of eliciting change ( I don´t see much change happening at this point), but it will be a good thing in terms of creating a demand for accountability. If nothing else, people should be held accountable for their actions. Most teachers will leave quietly before they demand accountability in a public way.
16 Ivory // Jul 2, 2007 at 1:41 pm
And, the effect of not being anonymous can chill a career right out of effectivity.
This happened to a friend of mine…
17 John Doe // Jul 6, 2007 at 7:13 pm
There is more to the story about the “old guard” board. What about the horrible alleged monetary hanck panky? There were reportedly disgraceful games played and then cover ups. Alot of the old board apparently stayed on just to keep up the cover of all the fraud. And the apparent payoff of Marshall Baltak. The “old guard” wasn’t as kosher as they purport.
18 Anonymous // Jul 6, 2007 at 8:22 pm
When the current board would not allow its own members to view the books before the election, the same rumors started flying. There are many who are saying that the reason the board is being so secretive right now and is insulating itself so much is that they have a lot to cover up in the money dept. despite all their claims to the contrary. If they really had financially audited statements at the time of the election as they said on June 6th , then why hide the records? There may be a lot more going on here than meets the eye.
19 John Doe // Jul 7, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Hello, These are probably not just rumors. All of the following has been alleged: There appears to have been alot going on there, for years and years — in the $100,000’s of thousands of dollars and Marshall Baltak apparently trading piles of cash for fake tax deductions and certain people apparently arranging to payoff Marshall Baltak so he would go away quietly (He was given a secret package of $100,000’s). “Loans” apparently from the endowment to bigshots on the old guard board. The audits have been stopped for the past 4-5 years so these items would not be made public. Perhaps this was done for the greater good of the school but it was not right that these people used a Jewish institution for years and years for apparent fraudulent purposes. Jewish education was not put first by the old board. Their dirty money tricks were. The school belongs to the Jewish public. The old guard treated the school as their private fiefdom and tax haven. The old guard was just as guilty of being nouveau riche as the new people. Its just that some of the new people actually have an college education and do not want to put up with the old tricky ways.
20 Aaron // Jul 8, 2007 at 10:58 am
The downside of the “Old Hillel” was that it ran like a mom and pop organization. Money was handled improperly. (For example: give a 200k donation and then receive a 100k honorarium and you can deduct 200k when you do your taxes.)
However, at least back then, no one was shouting on the hilltops that Hillel was at its financial peak… but don’t look at the books.
Now, it’s almost as if the new regime is claiming that they’ve won a Noble Prize, but no one can see it.
Transparency is what is needed in any institution in order to promote fairness and honesty.
Is there something Holden and company don’t want us to see?
21 Anonymous // Jul 8, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Whatever the old Hillel was, at least it was an authentic Jewish school. And an excellent school, both Judaically and in secular studies, as evidenced by our successful alumni.
Bringing up past financial improprieties only serves to deflect attention away from the problems of today. We need to remain focused on minimizing the damage that is being done until we can succeed in electing a new leadership.
22 sara // Jul 8, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Yes, I agree completely. A number of recent posts seem to be doing what you said– “trying to deflect attention from the problems of today.” These posts began appearing when other posts indicated contact being made with Avi Frier and/or the state atttorney…….something to think about…….
23 Mr. Pink // Jul 9, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Someone should indeed investigate whether people at Hillel are getting kickbacks or dumping large sums of money at Hillel and using this nonprofit institution to cover their improprieties. We keep hearing that those days are long over. Don´t be so sure. An IRS audit right now may not be a bad idea.
It has also been conjectured that perhaps Holden remains because he has said to the board:
If you fire me, I will call the IRS
or
I´ll leave quietly but only if you pay me big money so that when I leave, I don´t call the IRS.
That is what the corporate world calls ´´GOLDEN PARACHUTE´´
24 John Doe // Jul 9, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Solve the problems of today and yesterdya. Perhaps people would not want to bring up the past financial improprieties if they had not been covered up and those involved still pull the strings at Hillel and walked away with ‘nary a slap on the wrist. Those involved are a disgrace. Their legacy is still present at Hillel-the lack of transparency, the lack of community cohesivness, the secretiveness, the bullying, the use of people as puppets, etc. These people did real damage to the school and community which will take years to overcome. The school will take years to rebuild from the damage these people did.
25 Anon // Jul 9, 2007 at 11:06 pm
John: are there any current members of the board that were involved in these activities? If so, who are they?
You imply that damage was done yesterday, but if they are being committed by the same people, then the damage is still going on. it is easier to look back on something and realize what a mistake it is than to realize that you’re in the process of making a mistake.
The mistakes being made today are not viewed as mistakes by those committing them. They are viewed as a new vision, a blueprint to excellence, and whatever else you want to call it–with so much else going behind thescenes. If you can point fingers at people who made those mistakes yesterday and connect them to those mistakes being made today, we might be closer to solving these problems.
as you see it, the majority of elementary school parents are convinced that Hillel needs to pay utmost respect to the current board and administrators. Are you implying that some of these people are part of this corruption that you are quite vocal about? If so, you’ve already named one name–please share more.
26 Mr. Pink // Jul 10, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I have heard that the ones involved in the improprieties are not the ones making the educational decisions (In other words, they are not of the female persuasion. Allegedly, They are most definitely of the male persuasion and have been involved with such indisgressions for years–perhaps not as individuals per se. ) I cannot breathe any more of what I´ve heard because it´s a really hot button and unconfirmed hearsay.
These people are probably racing to clean up those books.
If Hillel would take care of the more pressing issues that people are upset about then no one would be looking this deep.
For the record, this is hearsay but comes from people at the top of the top.
27 anonymous // Jul 10, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Whatever financial improprieties had gone on - - none of them had any affect on our beloved teachers (who were highly respected by all) - there was no affect on our children.
Never was the education in question - - the school graduated highly talented graduates!!! The teachers were never in question and the administrators never acted like a bunch to two bit unqualified, disrespectful thugs as the school has today. The school was a highly respected, well run Jewish-RUN day school that was a school of excellence - - NOT THE HAPHAZARD WILLY NILLY BOARD THAT HAS NO CLUE WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS DOING OR HOW TO RUN IT. People had documented, verifiable credentials.
We must to do all we can to save HILLEL!
28 Ivory // Jul 12, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I hope that that is possible.
29 John Doe // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:28 pm
The people who are making the educational decisions today are not those involved in the past financial improprieties. But these people are the puppets of these people and a product of it the culture of intimidations and power politics that has allowed the culture of malaise exist for so many years. As long as these people were able to play their financial games, what did they care about running a transparent community school. Besides, if the parents weren’t satisifed, there was a boat load of new Jews coming from Venezuela or Colombia next year.
If you want a “hint” where at least some of the alleged financial improprieties apparently are–just look at the names on the wall of the school (not the new ones) Ask about the former accountant of the school. Ask about the dirty money being paid to shut up Marshall Baltach who was allowed to exit with kavod to another position in the Jewish community. Disgrace. The man should have been run out of town as a disgrace to the Jewish community. This is besides his apparent friendliness with males workers on campus in full view of all. This was great to build morale. Apparently Mr. Baltach’s scheme involved exchanging checks and cash and of course a percentage for himself. No wonder why he didn’t allow the accounting books to be in order.
30 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Those were the improprieties of the past - Kickback.
Today, allegedly, there are no kickbacks but some funny stuff still going on in terms of using Hillel as a tax shelter..rumored to involve a very illustrious family
Where are the records? Hold them up to the light of day and prove that all is kosher.
31 anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 10:05 pm
John Doe - - the people whose names are on the walls of our beloved school are individuals who really cared and poured their hearts and love into the school - - NOT everyone was involved in the alleged schemes you speak of.
The condescending manner in which you speak of the many past board members and other members of the Hillel family consisting of individuals who supported the school not only with their money but with their time is completely unacceptable.
If you are so righteous- - why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and pay out the damn contract of the HEAD of School who is well on his way to destroying one of the largest and most well recognized Jewish Day Schools in the country - - -not to mention the fact that we have ALWAYS graduated TOP NOTCH STUDENTS. Perhaps you are one of these board members - - what better way to take the focus off the real issue than to drudge up old news. GET Over it! We are talking about our JEWISH children here!
We have long been a school of excellence well prior to the current administration and lack luster board that permits such destructive behavior. They are serving to destroy what had been built. This is certainly commendable - - wouldn’t you say???? NOT!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
32 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Let’s try and keep to the issues of today. The past is the past.
33 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 12:13 am
It appears that the only way to effect some change at this point….that the only way to stop things from getting worse (can they get worse?) is to make waves. Nothing else has worked and we are seeing things fall apart in front of us.
Others–such as SACS, the state attorney, or the media– need to be brought in. Perhaps some people can post here. Tell us how we can go about contacting any of these groups or people, tel us who can make the contact (apparently only certain people can initiate certain actions), and tell us what should be reported.
I posted the following in a different thread. I am repeating it here:
The accounts of the schools are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are reviewed annually by an independent licensed accountant. The report of the annual review is on site and available to evaluators.
34 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 7:56 am
Anyone who is a victim can contact the State Attorney’s office to file a complaint. Anyone can contact the media. As far as SACS, here is the link to the Florida Council office
http://www.sacscasi.org/florida/contactus.html
35 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 8:02 am
Victim of what? What do you say to the state attorney?
36 anonymous teacher // Jul 17, 2007 at 8:54 am
I have also been told that 30 teachers and staff are gone either because they quit or were let go. Who would want to go to a school with such a turnover. Who are the new staff members? Are they experienced? Can they fit into our school community and our society?
37 Anon // Jul 17, 2007 at 8:59 am
“Can they fit into our school community and our society?”
Herein lies the problem. Our society has been wiped out by the conquerors. We no longer can call Hillel home. That means that the answers to these questions don’t matter.
38 anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 12:07 pm
They do matter - -our children matter and the other teachers who remain DO MATTER!
We can SAVE HILLEL! We will not be defeated.
39 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 1:21 pm
So who is going to contact the State Attorney’s office? And what is the complaint? That their school was stolen?
40 Good Wolf // Jul 17, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Thirty teachers and staff…
41 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 3:07 pm
My question exactly….what is the complaint…what can be brought to the attention of the state attorney?
42 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 3:58 pm
There is no complaint. Just like there are restaurants that are “kosher style” , Hillel is becoming a prep school with a “jewish taam (taste)”.
43 anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 4:05 pm
The only thing for the state attorney was the fraudulent degree on the resume. They handle these types of issues and investigations.
Apparently this is not the issue at hand anymore.
44 sara // Jul 17, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Apparently, though, only certain people can file this complaint.
45 Mr. Pink // Jul 17, 2007 at 5:08 pm
“anonymous teacher // Jul 17, 2007 at 8:54 am
I have also been told that 30 teachers and staff are gone either because they quit or were let go. Who would want to go to a school with such a turnover. ”
Can someone give us the head count, please?
Who are the 30?
46 anonymous teacher // Jul 17, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Ask the office-I speak confidentially w/others who have named names.
47 john doe the second // Jul 19, 2007 at 4:52 pm
“The people who are making the educational decisions today are not those involved in the past financial improprieties.
But these people are the puppets of these people and a product of it the culture of intimidations and power politics that has allowed the culture of malaise exist for so many years.
As long as these people were able to play their financial games, what did they care about running a transparent community school. Besides, if the parents weren’t satisifed, there was a boat load of new Jews coming from Venezuela or Colombia next year.”
“If you want a “hint” where at least some of the alleged financial improprieties apparently are–just look at the names on the wall of the school (not the new ones) Ask about the former accountant of the school. Ask about the dirty money being paid to shut up Marshall Baltach who was allowed to exit with kavod to another position in the Jewish community.”
MORE ON THIS ISSUE: Here’s what a little birdie has informed me:
According to John Doe the Second: Certain Schecks paid Marshall Baltuch 25 thousand dollars to leave quietly. When asked where their Hillel contribution was for that year, they replied that they had already contributed to Hillel for the year in the form of paying of Mr. Baltuch to leave and not reveal financial improprieties–very likely their own improprieties.
The school’s books were about to be audited by the IRS at the request of certain board members. It has been said that the Schecks retaliated against those board members (particularly Aryeh Rubin) by actually having the IRS audit him instead.
It has been said that Marshall looked out for the Schecks interests above everyone else’s and that when Mr. Rubin found a one million dollar donor for the school including naming privileges, Baltuch turned the donor away and allowed the Schecks to make the donation instead for a mere two hundred fifty thousand. It is not even known whether they ever even paid out this full amount of money.
Many in the community believe the Schecks are massive donors to federation and the like, but they do not give as much as people might think.
They used to give the school discounts on paper goods from their company and when asked where their yearly contribution was, they replied, the paper discount is the contribution. When asked to contribute more, they stopped giving the discount.
If these individuals who were allegedly involved in financial improprieties in the past still have family members sitting on the board today, what makes anyone think that the financial improprieties do not still exist in one form or another ?
The improprieties and fear of exposure are most likely what have paralyzed the board from acting in the school’s best educational interests.
Even the board members who care about the school care more about protecting their friends, showing loyalty, and not “airing dirty laundry in public” it seems.
Ironically, no one cared about finances and finances would never have even been mentioned at any point had the board simply addressed the educational issues raised by teachers, alumni, and parents or held an open meeting as was requested several times. Ironically, it seems that the board’s determination to hide and cover up is ultimately what is causing them to be exposed all the more.
“sara // Jun 15, 2007 at 6:17 pm”
“Raquel Scheck would NEVER allow teachers or alumni or parents to be treated in the manner we have seen. Raquel Scheck respected the teachers. Raquel Scheck put education in the hands it belongs…hands of educators.”
Sara, you are so wrong about this. All she cares about is the bottom line-the fiscal bottom line. Just ask Joanne Papir about the time Joanne complained to her about the dreck quality of books the younger children were reading. According to the birdie, Raquel’s reply was something like this: “they might not be good, but they’re good enough.” Dollars and cents.
Money is the root of all evil when it comes to why the school is stuck with administrators and a board who is destroying in one year what took 35 years to build in the first place.
Dollars and cents.
What makes anyone think anything has changed?
“There is nothing new under the sun” –King Solomon.
48 Mindy // Jul 19, 2007 at 6:16 pm
It is Joanne Papir, along with Judy Dach, who brought Holden to our school. Joanne Papir thinks she knows how to run a school
If she cares so much, then it is impossible to believe she is so blind that she cannot see what is going on. Every part of the school is suffering.
Your words: Ironically, no one cared about finances and finances would never have even been mentioned at any point had the board simply addressed the educational issues raised by teachers, alumni, and parents or held an open meeting as was requested several times. Ironically, it seems that the board’s determination to hide and cover up is ultimately what is causing them to be exposed all the more. ”
You are so right. Even the information about Holden’s bogus degree would not have come up.
But the point still remains that we are not in a good place….the loss of too many good teachers, the loss of our well-respected drama program, the hiring of non-Jews (and even if they were Jewish, they do not have tremendous experience to do what their positions entail), etc.
So, I ask you what needs to be done to break the downward spiral? Will it take an audit? Or what?
Or do you think nothing can be done and we are just to sit back and watch what was once a top-notch school school die?
49 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Oh boy! Wait till Avi Frier gets his hands on this - if its true!!!
50 Mindy // Jul 19, 2007 at 6:51 pm
What makes you think Avi Frier is going to run with this? He needs facts and only facts. Everything that was said is supposition.
51 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 7:25 pm
As was said - “if it’s true”. I’m sure Avi would investigate and ask questions first.
52 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 7:28 pm
An IRS audit is certainly in order right about now.
If there’s nothing to hide anymore, then there’s nothing to fear and the board can BOAST without SPIN that the IRS has cleared them.
If there is something to hide, then it’s time that the people who are USING Hillel for their own interests TO THE DETRIMENT OF ONE THOUSAND JEWISH CHILDREN need to leave now no matter how popular they are, no matter how illustrious their name.
We heard several times on the night of the election that “FOR THE FIRST TIME Hillel has audited financial statements”.
Well WHERE THE HECK ARE THE AUDITED STATEMENTS? Why can’t anyone SEE them??
One board member requested to see them right before the election and Rafa Russ told that person “NO!!”
Why?????
All board members are supposed to have equal access to the financial statements.
Are we supposed to take it ON FAITH that they exist, just because we are TOLD they exist?
Are those records like Snufalufagus? Visible to the imagination but invisible to the light of day?
Is this a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes? The emperor is really naked and yet everyone participates in the farce to help him save face?
Why are we all acquiescing to the Emperor or the Royal Family AT THE EXPENSE OF THE EDUCATION OF STUDENTS?
Why do so many participate in the farce?
Aside from being told that there are audited financial records, we’ve also been told that 2 +2 = 5 and a lot of other BLATANT LIES at this point that don’t add up. (We were told Adam Holden was the pinnacle of excellence and was a DOCTOR who was G-d’s gift to Jewish education..yeah, right! I won’t rehash the rest of them since they’ve all been discussed at length on this blog).
Let the IRS step in already. Although…
From what I’ve heard, many Jewish day schools keep 2 SEPARATE SETS OF BOOKS to cover up- so who knows what’s going on with the books and what the IRS will actually be able to uncover. (However, there is a small chance that those in the know might anonymously reveal themselves and what they know to auditors if they were to actually show up at Hillel because so many parents are FED UP)
Something is most definitely rotten in the state of Denmark!
53 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 7:33 pm
“Now, it’s almost as if the new regime is claiming that they’ve won a Noble Prize, but no one can see it.”
Aaron is so right.
It’s high time for transparency.
THE EMPEROR IS NAKED!
54 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 7:56 pm
How embarrassing would it be for the Royal Family to actually GET CAUGHT WITH ITS PANTS DOWN???
anonymous lower case makes an excellent suggestion:
“pay out the damn contract of the HEAD of School who is well on his way to destroying one of the largest and most well recognized Jewish Day Schools in the country”
Pay Adam Holden to go and all talk of IRS audit will probably cease.
55 Mindy // Jul 19, 2007 at 8:05 pm
SACS would also be interested in seeing those books.
56 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 8:07 pm
The IRS would be more interested.
57 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Who does one call to alert the IRS???
Anyone have a contact number?
58 anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Again - - the resolution is to hire a qualified experienced JEWISH Head of School and pay out the contracts of the HEAD of School and Associate Head of School Judaic (also serving no useful purpose) who together are serving to destroy one of the largest and most well recognized Jewish Day Schools in the country.
..in answer to your IRS question:
Here are the links:
http://www.irs.gov/compliance/enforcement/article/0,,id=106778,00.html
How Do You Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity?
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to:
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888
If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Please include the following information, if available:
Name and address of the person you are reporting
The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business)
A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information
The years involved
The estimated dollar amount of any unreported income
Your name, address and daytime telephone number
Although you are NOT required to identify yourself, it is helpful to do so. Your identity can be kept confidential. You may also be entitled to a reward.
Frequently Asked Questions - 1.13 IRS Procedures: Reporting Fraud
How to Report Abusive Tax Promotions and/or Promoters:
Complete the referral form which documents the information necessary to report an abusive tax avoidance scheme. The form can be mailed or faxed to the IRS address and fax number on the form.
59 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Thank you.
60 Mindy // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:36 pm
As far as I know, Avi Frier is not an investigative reporter.
61 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Channel 10 Reporters are. They were turned away unfortunately. A big mistake.
62 anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Whether an investigative reporter or not - - some element of investigation and inquiry is performed by all media personnel - - that is how they obtain the information to report on a story.
However, this type of story may not be of interest to some. Though it is of interest to us.
Again, I caution JOHN DOE the second regarding the comments made about the donors who have plaques on the wall: If you want a “hint” where at least some of the alleged financial improprieties apparently are–just look at the names on the wall of the school (not the new ones)
This generalization is unacceptable and untrue. There are many plaques of individuals who appropriately gave money to the school and actively supported programs without improprieties. DO NOT CONTINUE TO DENEGRADE THOSE WHO TIRELESSLY GAVE FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF THE SCHOOL!
63 Mindy // Jul 19, 2007 at 9:52 pm
If I recall correctly, our Hillel story was overshadowed by greater and tragic news–that is why channel 10 did not follow up. Between the bogus degree and the possibility of unclean books, they might now be interested.
64 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 10:02 pm
I think both John Does are referring to one specific plaque, anonymous lower case.
One name in particular.
65 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 12:40 am
Before anyone runs to Channel 10, please consider how this will look for the whole jewish community here in south FL. Plus we all know that many times stories are aired BEFORE all the facts are in. Plus how will the students feel about seeing their school on TV as part of a scandal?
66 Someone // Jul 20, 2007 at 2:21 am
On that note, I still want that donor. Does anyone even KNOW the donor?
Perhaps “anonymous” means “nonexistent”.
After all, the chair was not the only new administrator this year. ..
67 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 11:40 am
“Before anyone runs to Channel 10, please consider how this will look for the whole jewish community here in south FL. Plus we all know that many times stories are aired BEFORE all the facts are in. Plus how will the students feel about seeing their school on TV as part of a scandal?”
How would the students feel knowing that their best teachers are ready to bolt and treated like dirt on the floor and that Judaics are being watered down and that the school is no longer being run by competent Jews???????
What other viable solution do you have to offer?
How would the students feel if they knew Adam Holden was a liar who put a bogus degree on his resume to give him an edge over competition?
What lesson does that teach our children?
What lesson does it teach our children that instead of facing repercussions for being unethical, you will be REWARDED?
In other words, nice guys , moral guys like Rabbi Kaplan finish last, while liars and crooks finish first.
What a great lesson the adults of this school have taugh our children! Beyond morally despicable!!!!
68 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 11:55 am
“It is Joanne Papir, along with Judy Dach, who brought Holden to our school. Joanne Papir thinks she knows how to run a school
If she cares so much, then it is impossible to believe she is so blind that she cannot see what is going on. Every part of the school is suffering. ”
Mindy,
Joanne does care about educational standards.
She cares very much.
There are two possibilities as to why she has gone deaf and dumb. Here are some theories:
1. She is brainwashed and truly believes the lies Adam Holden is spewing.
2. Her brother Stephen Fiske, also on the board, and a friend of the individuals alleged to still be involved in financial improprieties have told her to remain quiet.
At the end of the day, these people are sell outs.
They will protect each other first and foremost, rather than protect the education of one thousand plus Jewish souls.
They have very misplaced priorities.
I’m not surprised that many are sell outs.
I am surprised that she is. She is someone who fought so hard to make so many educational improvements over so many years. How she allows all of this to continue defies logic.
The decisions being made today in terms of the Judaic program and in terms of the way teachers are treated are EDUCATIONALLY UNSOUND.
The students will be the ones to suffer the most in the end when most of the true excellence is gone.
Joanne despises mediocrity. Despises it.
And yet, by the time Adam Holden is through axing the most beloved competent teachers and replaces them with inexperienced nonJews, all there will be left at Hillel will be MEDIOCRITY.
Maybe a miracle will happen and she will open her eyes and wake up? I’ve learned a long time ago not to rely on miracles.
69 My Last Comment // Jul 20, 2007 at 12:08 pm
While agreeing that many of the lessons are not good ones, embarrassing the school in front of the whole South FL community will probably not change much other than give the whole school a bad name.
Also, as the facts would show - Holden is not the first non-Jew Head of School. Judaic studies and religious life at the school started to be “watered down” years ago. Some excellent HS teachers were forced to leave several years ago. There have been students that based on their actions should have been expelled but weren’t because of who their parents are, and the whole student body knew that. So what lessons were learned from all of that?
70 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 12:45 pm
The lesson is that regardless of what mistakes were made in the past, those currently steering the school towards imminent destruction need to be held accountable. Right now. TODAY.
71 Aviva // Jul 20, 2007 at 2:19 pm
#70- You make a valid point. The school has never been in a place like it is now. We had Jewish administrators and the Jewishness of the school was not questioned. We were not questioning people’s degrees. Except for the time Buncher was principal of the hs, the experience of administrators was not in question.
But it seems that making people accountable is not going to happen. Suggestions posted here are not followed through. People are concerned about damaging Hillel’s reputation. I suggest it is already damaged.
72 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 4:24 pm
“Suggestions posted here are not followed through. ”
This website produces a bystander effect. If everyone thinks the next person is going to follow through and no one personally does a darn thing to hold people accountable then all this talk is just cheap.
There are several who have not posted and have followed through. There are are others who have posted and have followed through.
I question every poster on this blog: What have YOU personally done to follow through?
Talk is cheap.
73 Ivory // Jul 20, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I tried. I tried re-negoitiation of lack of contract and was stone-walled.
I tried six times.
I stayed for the sake of the students and took the high road of responsiblity and heart-felt kindliness.
74 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:50 pm
The Board is responsible for how the finances are ultimately handled and the Board is ultimately liable if there are any wrong doings.
Has anyone seen the audit?
Has anyone asked how much of the school’s real estate was mortgaged to cover the shortfalls two years ago from the operating budget once all of the capital campaign donations were transferred to help cover operating shortfalls?
Has anyone looked to see if we mortgaged more than was necessary to cover the school’s loans?
What are the loans intended to cover and how much is outstanding?
What are the salaries of the administrators and who approves them?
Who does the administrators’ evaluations?
Who is responsible for making sure pledges are paid and booked appropriately?
How or where contributions are made/booked/accounted for?
Who pays for Holden’s trips home? Was that built into his contract?
75 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Great questions. Please look into it.
76 Anon // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:39 pm
WHO are you asking to look into it? ME? YOU? AVI?
there is a big problem when people don’t watn to take responsibility. they just want to blab. do research or corroborate with people who can!!!
77 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 3:27 pm
A valid point indeed.
78 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 5:49 pm
#74: You are asking all the right questions and there are more. Are there any leaders among the folks who ran for the opposition slate who have the time and energy to organize parents? These questions should be easy to answer. But knowing the Board, knowing the finance department and knowing Holden, the answers won’t be forthcoming without a lot of parent pressure. The donors and parents should be requesting this information every time a dime is given to the school.
79 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 6:34 pm
I don’t think parents are interested in pursuing this angle. However, I am still very interested in hearing the questions that should be raised in the event that I know of someone who may be needing to know which questions to ask in the near future. Thanks for your input.
80 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Not only has no one seen it - - even at the parent meeting - - they were not willing to share one ounce of information regarding the schools finances. It was a big hush hush.
Again, money is being spent moving the office of the head master (for the 3rd time), reconstruction etc. Yet no one has seen a penny spent on new computers for the labs. No funding for fieldtrips - - there used to be one a month - then one every other month - - now we are lucky to have 4 a year. Honestly, there is a lot to learn on fieldtrips.
It is unbelievable.
81 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Why all the secrecy?
We won’t speculate but this behavior certainly begs the question.
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