Just received this email that was sent anonymously:
This week’s Florida Jewish News reports that three Hillel students declined participation in the national fencing competition for which they had qualified because they had been scheduled to compete on Shabbat. They were quoted in the paper as saying,”We’re missing a great opportunity with the competition taking place right here in Miami but we felt it was far more important to set an example for other Jewish athletes when it comes to observing Shabbat”.
Any real Jewish school would be kvelling over these students and holding them up as outstanding role models.
Hillel’s silence on this speaks volumes.
The Hillel family hears nothing about these students who are truly living their Judaism.
It would seem that the actions of these outstanding students are not what our leadership has in mind when it goes on and on about “excellence” and “Jewish life”.
Perhaps they undermine Holden’s dreams for his athletic program.
What’s next? Will Holden and the Board decide to cancel Shabbat for Hillel students because it interferes with their vision and their blueprint?
If there was any doubt about Hillel’s decline as a truly Jewish school, its silence on the actions of these students is proof of what out leadership values.
Look for an update to the Blueprint after the Board reads this post. It seems they look to us to teach them how to run a Jewish school.
Update July 23: I just received this email from Stephen Korn, who says:
I will take personal responsibility for failing to send the article to the school. My deepest apologies. My son, Jonathan was not able to write the article before mid June and things have been extremely busy.
224 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 9:43 pm
“They” do not want to run a jewish school. They want to run a prep school with a “jewish flavor”.
2 mind // Jul 14, 2007 at 9:51 pm
As you said, now that you brought it to the attention of this blog, the story will appear soon in an official school message. You have the proof that it was mentioned here first and that you indicated they would address it.
Too bad the paper did not interview the school. Can you see it now: says Adam Holden, the non-Jewish head of school. Says the non-Jewish principal. Says the non-Jewish assistant principal in charge of athletics.
3 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:11 pm
They do need us to teach them how to run a Jewish school. That is probably the most important role we are serving right now. We are not letting them off the hook for sake of the future generations of American Jewry.
Can someone please get us PDF of this article? I don’t see it online.
I feel like there is more to the story.
Expect some mention of it to appear in some official communique in the near future. The Board probably didn’t even know it happened until now.
Here is what PRINCIPALS OF REAL JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS DO:
http://floridajewishnews.com/News/South_Florida/Boca_Raton_Principal_Among_Top_200707131267/
“Boca Raton Principal Among Top” Rabbi Perry Tirschwell to Participate in Bar-Ilan University Summer Program
Written by FJN Staff Report
Jul 13, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell, of Weinbaum Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton is among the 19 principals from top Jewish day schools in the United States and Canada participating in the July 9-19 Principals’ Program initiated and coordinated by Israel’s Bar-Ilan University’s Lookstein Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora, in partnership with the Avi Chai Foundation.
The Lookstein Center Summer Seminar brings a highly select group of principals together for ten days of professional training.
Through specialized workshops, mentored action research planning, group processing and individual assignments, participants from day elementary and high schools, Orthodox to Reform and Independent, convene to learn from each other’s experience and together grow under the supervision of the Lookstein Center, a service and research center deeply committed to enhancing the quality of Jewish education in the Diaspora.
Key themes of the program will include
1) ‘School Culture as the Context for Leadership and Change’ in which participants will examine the concepts of culture and school culture, acquire understanding of the culture of their own schools, and begin to reflect on their roles as leaders.
2) ‘Action Research, Reflective Leadership and School Change’ based on Action research as a powerful tool for initiating and monitoring one’s growth as a leader, for engaging staff in creative, reflective problem solving, for navigating leadership dilemmas and for planning, implementing and evaluating school change.
3) ‘Challenges in Day School Leadership where in a workshop setting principals will examine areas of critical importance to day school leaders, developing a vision of the ideal Jewish day school graduate, enhancing Jewish school climate, and developing an ethic of Jewish leadership.
Through these sessions participants will expand their practical repertoire of leadership strategies and gain new understandings that will enrich their action research planning and implementation.
“What makes this seminar particularly unique and exciting is the hands-on involvement of each participant, says Deborah Court, Director of the Principals’ Program. “As a result, the principals go home with new ideas and real tools with which to initiate school improvement within the context of their unique school culture.
The seminar is also one example of how The Lookstein Center sees itself contributing to Jewish peoplehood, by contributing directly to the improvement of Jewish education and by bringing together educators from the broad range of the Jewish community.”.
Following the seminar participants will work on year-long in-school action research projects under the guidance of mentors provided by The Lookstein Center.The group will convene again for a follow-up seminar in February in Florida, at which time they will present the findings of their projects.
4 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Who would Hillel send??
5 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Anonymous 1–At this point, there would have been no one for them to send. How pathetic.
6 sa // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:19 pm
The one Jewish administrator who does not have a college education/degree. Needs Education 101.
7 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Hillel should invite Perry Tirschwell to advise them. He began at Frisch. He really knows his stuff. He should be used as a consultant.
If right here in South Florida we have one of the top Jewish day school principals in the country, then why the heck aren’t we utilizing him as a consultant?
8 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Invite Ora Lee Kanner as a consultant too while you’re at it.
9 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:41 pm
“The Board probably didn’t even know it happened until now.”
The school is definitely knew about the fencing tournament because there is a link on the home page of the Hillel web site to a Miami Herald article about other students who participated.
Hillel reports athletic accomplishments but not Jewish values accomplishments.
Anyone remember the days of Midot Tovot awards? Hillel used to be a place where Jewish values were truly honored, not just given lip service.
This is what is wrong with all the Jewish Life Division nonsense.
What should a Jewish school do?
Employ Jewish leaders and role models. Teach rigorous Judaic studies courses. Celebrate holidays and mourn on commemoration days together as a family.
This simple formula served Hillel well for years.
In reaching for a new definition of excellence, Hillel has destroyed the true excellence it always had.
10 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:49 pm
The Torah is the ultimate blueprint to excellence
11 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:51 pm
The Board doesn’t believe in the Torah only Holden. As it’s been stated by a member of the Board – “Holden is G-d’s gift to Jewish education”
12 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Treating people like dirt is certainly not a gift from G-d.
13 Anonymous // Jul 14, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Treating people like dirt is part of the New Hillel Vision.
14 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 1:00 am
In the world of newspeak or double think, “excellence” is now defined as lying about your credentials , treating others as you yourself would never want to be treated, wiping out a three thousand year heritage.
This is the new meaning of EXCELLENCE.
These are the role modes we want our children to emulate. Leaders of the the first rate.
War is peace.
2 +2 = 5.
15 Aaron // Jul 15, 2007 at 9:14 am
I’m sure this will be spun.
I’m sure we’ll see something soon in a Blueprint update that states “Hillel students place Jewish morals and ethics before extracurricular activities.”
Funny thing is, if they went we see in the very same update “Hillel students compete in prestigious tournament.”
The sad fact is anything can be spun.
16 sad parent // Jul 15, 2007 at 11:15 am
Someone needs to find out whether the coaches accompanied the students officially to the saturday event or in anyway assisted the children’s participation. The fencing team is a school team and their actions are school sponsored. The parents and the entire jewish community need to be told if in fact Hillel facilitated school activities on Shabbos. If this is so, then this is a violation of the Schools charter that the Rabbis in the community will not abide.
I am posting a request to the readers of this blog to speak to the players and parents and find out what happened.
17 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 11:27 am
Yes. I was wondering the same thing Sad Parent.
I was also told that Holden was using the computer in front of students on Shabbos during a school shabbaton sometime back in April or May and that a few students were upset.
This is unconfirmed.
If Hillel is turning a blind eye to these types of activities over Shabbos, it is a sadder day than many previously thought.
18 sara // Jul 15, 2007 at 1:14 pm
link to the article:
http://floridajewishnews.com/News/South_Florida/Local_Briefs_200707131264/
Holden ‘s allegedly using a computer on Shabbos will be justified…just like the “new rule” of non-Jewish men not having to wear yarmulkes while on Hillel’s campus.
19 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 2:01 pm
According to Jewish law, non Jewish men really actually should NOT be wearing kippahs and nonJewish teachers do NOT wear them in the most religious of yeshivot.
Using computers on shabbos in front of shabbos observing students, however, is an entirely different matter.
20 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 2:04 pm
14 competition three Hillel fencers–Ari Givner, Jonathan Korn, and Robert Mitrani qualified but unfortunately have all been scheduled to begin their rounds of competition on Saturday June 30th. All three have decidede to abstain from fencing rather than violate their Shabbat observance. “We’re missing a great opportunity with the competition taking place right here in Miami,” the students said, “but we felt it was far more important to set an example for other Jewish athletes when it comes to observing Shabbat.”
Ironically, 2 of these students are children of CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS.
It’s a shame that several board members also feel that they are being used and are powerless to stop the minority on the board destroying the school. Ironic indeed.
21 DonnyNonny // Jul 15, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Are you kidding? Mr. Givner is one of the most radical Holden-ites!
I wonder what his son thinks of the mass exodus of Judaic faculty. Have you asked, Mr. Givner? Or will your son be attending high school elsewhere?
22 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I know. That’s what’s so ironic
Givner got his partner to write threatening letters to the site admin.
Papir’s daughter was on the SAVELEFKOWITZ or Free Hillel Teachers’ group–don’t remember which…
And these morons who allowed Holden to harass Dr. Andron have children who benefitted from his brilliance.
These people need their heads seriously examined.
They don’t know who’s who.
All that glitters………………
23 DonnyNonny // Jul 15, 2007 at 2:42 pm
To Givner and Papir:
What will you do when the kiddies get older, and start asking questions about this? Are you going to pull out the “spin” on your kin?
I wish you the best in raising your adolescent children. Good luck, you’ll need it!!
24 sara // Jul 15, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Michael Andron’s productions at the J do not have to be aligned to Hillel schedule. Hillel students who are involved in Michal’s new productions will not be afforded extensions for work, will not be exempt from homework, will not have unexcused absences from class, etc– they will not be participating in a Hillel school activity.
25 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 4:45 pm
They will have steep competition. And public school lets out at 2:30.
If we had lost Andron to another school, there would have been no way for them to spin themselves out of the spin zone.
Ultimately, this move is a better one for the community so we owe Adam Holden a thank you for making Dr. Andron and Lillian miserable this year.
26 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I would hope that Hillel TEACHERS would still show compassion to the thespians and techies even if the ADMINISTRATION does not.
27 Here's an idea... // Jul 15, 2007 at 4:55 pm
“I would hope that Hillel TEACHERS would still show compassion to the thespians and techies even if the ADMINISTRATION does not.”
And now that such a statement has been posted, rest assured that Holden will dash off a memo to whatever faculty remains this year that they are absolutely FORBIDDEN to excuse students who participate in the J’s drama program.
28 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 4:57 pm
does that hold true for Papir, Mitrani, Lebwohl’s children too?
or just the children of NON board members?
Who knows if these children will even make it through try outs next year.
The competition is getting steeper.
29 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Whoever gave that endowment meant for it to go to Michael Andron.
As someone pointed out, they gave the money for an endowed chair and failed to name Michael Andron the chair.
What a bunch of power hungry misguided idiots.
30 sara // Jul 15, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Either forbid it or to show gesture within the community–to once again put public image first—say to excuse them.
As someone here said, they look at the messages posted here to see how to run a Jewish day school.
31 Anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 5:46 pm
A shame that whoever meant for that endowment and endowed chair cannot rescind it. I hope they pour more money into the J’s program.
32 anonymous // Jul 15, 2007 at 8:59 pm
The direction our beloved school is taking is unconscionable. The lack of action on the part of the board is inexcusable. They are guilty of negligence in oversight of the school, its mission and mis-guided administration.
We must to all we can to Save what is left of our school – - – before it is too late!!! …and to the board Rabbi who spoke at the parent meeting – - If the latest chain of events does not warrant the SAVING of HILLEL – - then shame on you too for not being able to see the forest through the trees thanks to the brain washing of your Latino followers.
Again – - we must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
33 Someone // Jul 15, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Still wondering why he left?
34 Mindy // Jul 15, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Holden chased him away. Aaron, dig some more. And anyone else who is is a position to find out anything, please do. It is quite possible that donor was misled. More game playing on Holden’ s part.
35 sara // Jul 15, 2007 at 11:37 pm
lower-case anonymous….the rabbi who spoke is most likely not reading this blog. at this point, what do you suggest should be done?
36 Someone // Jul 15, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Dr. Andron will tell you nothing; find the donor.
But beware–what if the donor was not misled?
In any case, find the donor.
37 Aaron // Jul 16, 2007 at 12:10 am
i’ve been trying to track the donor down… no luck with any of my sources (just a lot of empty speculation)
anyone who knows anything, PLEASE post….
38 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 7:43 am
Honestly, this is not about the donor….
This is about the board allowing this individual to DESTROY our beloved school. It is about the unwaivering support this board is providing to an individual who has no Jewish background or education. These people do not understand our roots or our foundation.
The donor is just one piece to the puzzle – - it is the board that needs to be reckoned with.
….as far as the legal action….. The tuition dollars are to be used for the education of the students, the salaries of our beloved teachers. The continuous misuse of funds for damage control (that would not be needed if the Head of School were removed and a Jewish Head hired), the legal action against parents who have a right to know the product they will be paying for prior to signing the contract (if the school were honest and open and being appropriately run and administered – such issues would not be occuring.
Frankly, the school is in disarray – - never seen anything quite like this before.
…..and the blatant wreckless disregard of the board who sits at the sidelines and quietly watches as our beloved school is dismantled and abolished. SHAME ON YOU!
Would love to see and know the line item budget and the amounts of monies being spent on communication firms, consultants, legal fees and salaries as he continues to disrupt and disorganize a well functioning school of excellence that has been in the forefront of Jewish Education for the last 30+ years. What took all those years to build is being demolished in less time than it took to build.
We must continue to do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
39 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 7:58 am
2 kinds of people in this world..builders and destroyers.
The board refuses to understand that Holden is a destroyer.
Even though Kansas parents, teachers, current students, and alumni already described to us in gory detail what he did to their school. He is doing the same thing to Hillel now.
How long did it take to build the Twin Towers?
How long did it take to destroy them? MINUTES.
40 ANONYMOUS // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:57 am
I wonder if we lost more students to the charter school. There was a parent orientation meeting last night. Does anyone know who was there and what happened? FYI–if you read the Herald, the director’s daughter won the grand prize and a former Hillel student (now Ransom) was also a prize winner in the Harry Potter contest. There is much to gain elsewhere and little left here. We must get the quality back in the school so we can get and keep the best students like we used to have.
41 Aaron // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:50 am
We know that the charter school took in 400 students.
If only 10% of them are hillel students (40) that would be a lot of tuition dollars lost.
42 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 11:26 am
That would be at minimum at least a 700,000 dollar loss.
The board wants unhappy people to leave. Can they afford to lose a minimum of close to a million dollars or maybe even two million dollars of tuition money. We’ll see.
I’m sure the enrollment numbers have gone done despite anything they say to the contrary.
Their refusal to listen is offsetting any prior gains they made in expanding enrollment in the elementary school prior to Holden’s arrival.
And still, they refuse to open their eyes.
Just like typical politicians who wreak havoc on others’ lives. As long as they personally don’t feel any consequences, why in the world should they care that others do?
43 Good Wolf // Jul 16, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Ditto!
44 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 1:27 pm
40 students left for the charter school??
45 Anon // Jul 16, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Guys, here’s the problem.
Rumors spread when people don’t read.
This is what was said.
We know that the charter school took in 400 students.
If only 10% of them are hillel students (40) that would be a lot of tuition dollars lost.
IF doesn’t imply that they did.
46 Aaron // Jul 16, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I’m the King of Speculation but on this matter, I want facts.
How many students left Hillel for the charter school?
47 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Why just the charter school? How many left altogether for reasons based on what’s going on?
48 Aaron // Jul 16, 2007 at 4:01 pm
The reason we need to know about the charter school in specific, is because the students who would leave to go to the charter school would only actually come from the type of family that Holden has cultivated as his base.
49 sara // Jul 16, 2007 at 4:58 pm
We should have such scrutiny.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/NEWS01/707150497
50 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 6:03 pm
You’re never going to see the actual numbers.
The numbers have dropped but they will never tell you.
They’ll probably say there’s been an exponential INCREASE in enrollment.
GO READ ANIMAL FARM.
51 anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 6:41 pm
The charter school serves grades Kindergarten – eighth grade. Are these the age groups of the individuals who are leaving? The school does not address those of high school age.
Prior to these latest announcements there were many who were not coming back and chose to go to other schools due to the nature in which the school was being administrated!
The departure is nothing new.
….and if you ask Holden – - he said it at the parent meeting over one year ago – - – he predicts that many will leave as they will not like “the changes.” It is only now that we are truly able to understand what he meant.
This is exactly what happened in Kansas – - upon his departure they were at the lowest enrollment the school had ever seen. Sure tells the story!!!
All they have told us has been true – he apparently has the game plan for our beloved school.
We must do all we can to SAVE Hillel – for our children and OUR TEACHERS from the tyranny of the administration and the board with whom we entrusted the operations of our school (It is s Shonda)!
52 Aaron // Jul 16, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Is there even a Hillel left to save?
53 ANON // Jul 16, 2007 at 7:55 pm
At last count about 30 (as of this moment) teachers and staff are gone. this is a fact.
54 Mindy // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Does
1. Does the board know Holden said those words in a parent meeting? That some will leave because they do not like the changes.This is not the first time someone has posted here that he said this.
2. Are not enrollment numbers public information? Can the numbers be kept secret?
3. Have any board members who have children who were involved in Michael’s program said anything to anyone? Has Papir made any comments?
Avi Frier should interview her about Michael leaving Hillel–or any board member, for that matter. Or Holden. Forget what I said. They probably have scripted reponses ready for Avi or for any parent who asks any questions.
55 Someone // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:25 pm
So what? Pin them down.
Also, I still think we need the donor. If only to determine intent.
56 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Rafi D. already told us they don’t care about enrollment.
They claim: Hillel is not for everyone.
If you’re not happy, there’s the door.
They’ve also basically communicated that sentiment to teachers. Michelle Holcman, Rabbi Feinerman, and Michael Andron wisely chose to exit through that door and save themselves the headache. EXIT: STAGE LEFT.
Since March, many parents decided to exit or started toying with the idea of leaving as well. Most parents are not fighters. Parents leave quietly. So do most teachers.
The parents who care the most and are most invested in the school didn’t just quietly pull their kids out. These parents tried to elicit change by naming themselves and running for an election. Even though their attempts to implement positive change failed, they at least made a valiant effort.
57 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I would say enrollment numbers s do not have to be public. Also, if the donor wants to move their money to the JCC or not, it’s their business not ours.
58 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:50 pm
We are well aware of that. We are trying to assess the damage however and hold them accountable for their blatant lies. We can only do that with hard core data which obviously they will never give us. They refuse to be accountable. As someone on the blog accurately dubbed them THE BOARD OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
No one, it seems, has the power to stop the BMD from causing further damage.
59 Mindy // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:00 pm
The donor moving the $ is the kick in the behind that this board needs.
60 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I think everyone put up a great fight. Those who did it by being very public and those who tried quietly behind the scenes. At this point, both parents and teachers might “win” by seeking the education environment they want elsewhere. The Board and Holden have made their intentions clear, and I think at this point, we might hard pressed to stop them.
Sad, very sad.
61 Mindy // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Another SACS standard added to the ones already posted here: ” The accounts of the school are maintained in accordance with generally accepted prinicples are reviewd annually by an independent licensed accountant. The report of the annual review is on site and available to evaluators.”
62 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:11 pm
“Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I think everyone put up a great fight. Those who did it by being very public and those who tried quietly behind the scenes. At this point, both parents and teachers might “win” by seeking the education environment they want elsewhere. The Board and Holden have made their intentions clear, and I think at this point, we might hard pressed to stop them.
Sad, very sad.”
Agreed. The only reason I keep blogging is because the blog drives the BMD crazy and the teachers are LOVING it.
However, it’s basically game over now.
We are in the End Game much like Kansas was.
Kansas has somehow begun to repair and heal after Holden’s departure.
I think we will be stuck with Adam Holden for a long, long time. The 3 key members of this BMD are clearly enamored.
63 DonnyNonny // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:40 pm
No! No! No!
If the venerable Dr. Rhea Schwartzberg can WORK there now, we should FIGHT for her.
What about the kiddies?? Think of the children! Throw the rascals out!
64 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:45 pm
We are fighting for the teachers, of course!
65 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:47 pm
This website is a form of checks and balances.
It lets those 2 administrators know that there every move is being watched and reported.
Let’s hope that keeps them in line until next April.
Then all hell might break loose again.
66 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:54 pm
The “kiddies” parents should do whatever they feel is right for their kids and families. The teachers are adults and need to make decisions on what’s right for them and their families. We are lucky we live in a community where there are other opportunities for great teachers if they should choose to look elsewhere.
67 Anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 10:14 pm
That is the beauty of living in a capitalistic democracy. Ahhhhhhhh Capitalism!!!!!!
68 anonymous // Jul 16, 2007 at 10:14 pm
We must continue to forge ahead with the fight.
To Mindy #53 – Any board interview would be scripted at this point. Apparently, they are unable to speak or discuss without consultation. It is unbelievable. Remember – the parent meeting – Don’t split the vote – - they are all in bed together and must consult their marketing/communication firm, etc before speaking. They are now mindless individuals – - They are brainwashed by the Head of School and have succombed to spending our tuition dollars for his salary and luxuries as well as consultants, etc.
However, with that said, we must continue to fight – - to effectuate change and stand up for our teachers and our children.
As far as enrollment – we will never know the truth. Many have decided to move on to other schools – but, as in all years, there are those who come from the outside in with no clue of what is happening.
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
69 anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 7:59 am
According to SACS, the enrollment from last year is 1,072. If that was reported accurately?
The site itself is up to date.
http://www.sacscasi.org/schools/Proceedings_Accredited_SACS_CASI_FL.html
70 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 8:43 am
It’s very important to know when these numbers were reported. If they were reported at the end of 06, Hillel did have a surge of enrollment last fall, that this number would not yet reflect.
We need to know the exact number as of Aug 06 vs. Aug 07. Although the numbers probably won’t be entirely accurate until around mid-September,
From what I know , however, 1071 looks very close to what we had at the beginning of Aug. last year.
Thank you for this information.
These people need to be held accountable for their actions.
I doubt they will report the numbers to SACS again unless they are required to do so by law.
71 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 9:06 am
Also, if someone is able to get us the enrollment numbers updated for this year AFTER the school year has begun and official classes have started, it would be interesting to know how many students attend the high school, middle school, elementary school, ECE.
72 Rafi D. // Jul 17, 2007 at 9:15 am
Today I weep with understanding.
I understand, therefore I weep.
I understand that all I can do is weep.
Long have I overheard the teachings of our one true Savior, Adam Holden.
Many have been honored to study at His feet. I am but a humble beetle compared to them.
All the way from Kansas He spreads His Gospel. Some fear His teachings and the inevitable change that follow them. They are cowards. I am a coward, unfit to hear His words. The glory of His teachings frighten me.
And it was written in the sixth verse of the sixty-sixth chapter of the Book of Holden:
“And He who leads a place of learning and strives for excellence doth not need to achieve excellence, yet excellence shall be perceived if the leader doth shout it from the mountains.”
It is a confusing verse. There is no Rashi to help. However, in tiny text on the bottom of the page there is a commentary that is attributed to Rabbi Druin. However, we know the truth- it was written by (or on instruction of) our Savior, Adam Holden. For reasons I still cannot fathom, it appears that this commentary is written in the form a limerick:
When bringing excellence to schools
Your teachers and staff can be fools
If the leader is great
Then the place will sure rate
So long as PR and spin are your tools.
I take these lessons to heart, and part of me dies.
Now everything makes sense.
I understand the path the Savior has taken us on and I am afraid. I am afraid that it is a path many will not be able to follow and once they do, they will want to go back- but there is no “back” to go to.
What do you do when the Pied Piper comes to town and has been elected mayor?
73 Hillel Teacher // Jul 17, 2007 at 10:43 am
Once school begins, the TEACHERS will have the “real” enrollment numbers and we will post them on this site. This site must continue to be the checks and balances for our school. We will make sure you get the true enrollment numbers.
74 Aaron // Jul 17, 2007 at 10:48 am
Thank you, Hillel Teacher.
Also, I realize that Rafi D. may have missed something.
If Holden truly believes that the perception of excellence equals excellence, then this website is his worst nightmare!!
Nothing like a good old fashioned forum of free speech to muck around with people’s perceptions.
75 anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 12:11 pm
This is the spirit needed to SAVE HILLEL for our CHILDREN and our TEACHERS!!!
Forge ahead!
76 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Rafi, your post is ominous. What are you waiting for??? Do something with all those records you say you have been keeping! Now!
77 Aaron // Jul 17, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Mindy,
I think Rafi’s threat of leaking records is a scorched earth policy.
Do we really want that?
78 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 1:00 pm
If not that, then what? What do we want? And how to we get it?
79 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Once we have the enrollment numbers, what will we do with them? Even if the enrollment is down, how will you prove that it’s because of the Board’s actions? A percentage would have left anyway for Ben Gamla.
80 sad parent // Jul 17, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Mindy
That is the question I posed earlier. Yes, the blog works well for venting and letting teachers know there are supporters who care about them. But good intentions wont prevent a second round of layoffs nor change the direction of the school. I personally think it is too late for this year at least. The Board is duly elected and has given the head of school the power to make whatever changes he deems necessary and the parents are going along with them.
In my opinion this blog should become a tool to inform the community, including parents, of what is really going on at Hillel. The community should be made aware if the fencing team went with their coaches to a competition held on shabbat. The community should know if Hillel is in violation of the SACS standards, fiscally or otherwise. Not with speculation and rumors but with fact. But that means that the readers have to go out, speak to anyone they can, and gather the facts. Then, and only then, will you effect change.
More people than you realize read this blog and it can become a powerful instrument for change. Just dont tear the school down in the process. If rafi’s records demonstrate any financial impropriety than get them to CAJE. Hillel is a major recipient of GMJF allocations and they wont take kindly to Hillels mishandling of their funds. If CAJE wont deal with it than Rafi can decide how to proceed.
If on the other hand you discover that, regardless of how distastful it might be to accept, the school is operating properly than this new direction is the future for Hillel.
Hillel is about to begin a major capital campaign and if they can raise the money than they will state, correctly, that they have the support of the community.
and they will be right.
81 sad parent // Jul 17, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Interesting that the school removed the link to the Herald article about the fencing team from their home page. Someone is reading this blog.
82 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I am confused. The students did NOT participate on Shabbos. That is why someone brought it up on this site in the first place–it is something to be proud of…but the school did not send out an announcement about it. If I have misunderstood, please let me know. Why would the school remove the link?
83 anonymous teacher // Jul 17, 2007 at 3:17 pm
3 were mentioned in the herald that didn’t participate. Maybe the others did go. Anyone know?
84 sad parent // Jul 17, 2007 at 3:19 pm
mindy
FJN wrote an article about 3 Hillel students who chose not to participate in the local championship on shabbos. I asked earlier if anyone knew if the remaining members of the fencing team participated on shabbos. Perhaps there are only 3 members on Hillel’s fencing team. I questioned this only since the article made it appear that it was the students themselves that chose not to participate, not the school.
The link to the article was on the school’s site yesterday and it is not there today. i dont know why but it is interesting.
85 Mindy // Jul 17, 2007 at 4:27 pm
http://www.miamiherald.com/495/story/162001.html
86 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 5:02 pm
The teachers have communicated that this blog must continue to stay up as a way of informing the world the truth about the situation and that no one here is going to allow himself to be so easily defeated.
In the words of an anonymous Hillel teacher: “They think they are relentless; show that them that the community is relentless in fighting for what is right for our teachers and for our children. Keep fighting the good fight.”
87 anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 6:56 pm
We intend to!
88 Anonymous // Jul 17, 2007 at 7:20 pm
“The truth will set you free”
89 Akiva Cohen // Jul 18, 2007 at 5:07 pm
From the miami herald link Mindy posted – 8 Hillel students qualified for the tournament. From the earlier article, we know that 3 did not attend because matches were on Shabbos.
Not hard to do the math; my only question is whether the 5 students who participated did so as members of a Hillel team or as individuals who happen to go to Hillel. If it’s the former, that’s horrific. If it’s the latter – well, honestly, it’s their own business whether they are shomer shabbos or not, and this particular expression of that decision deserves no more attention or condemnation than any other.
Either way, we shouldn’t lose focus on the tremendous kiddush hashem of the 3 who chose not to compete.
90 Anonymous // Jul 18, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Not sure that all the tournaments for all the qualifying levels were actually held on Saturday. Let’s be careful before we accused anyone.
91 Anonymous // Jul 18, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Don’t students usually enter tournaments as a school team representing their schools?
If Hillel allowed students, their ambassadors, to enter a tournament as a Hillel team and play on Shabbos, this is indeed horrific.
What students do at home on their own time is their own business, but what they do in the public arena as representatives of Hillel is another matter entirely.
92 Anonmymous // Jul 18, 2007 at 11:16 pm
“If Holden truly believes that the perception of excellence equals excellence, then this website is his worst nightmare!!”
In the words of Dr. Jerome M. Levy -”Perception becomes reality” as far as schools are concernd
Whose perception is winning out???????
93 anonymous teacher // Jul 19, 2007 at 2:33 pm
On rethinking my numbers, I actually come to 33 and I may have missed some.
94 Akiva Cohen // Jul 19, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Anon – 90: Not necessarily. If it is a team competition, that’s true. If it is an individual competition, there’s no reason Hillel students – even a number of them – could not be entered without Hillel sponsorship.
95 Anonymous // Jul 19, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Was it an individual competition or a team competition???????????????????
96 Akiva Cohen // Jul 20, 2007 at 9:24 am
Given that it’s in the summer, and that no team from Hillel is listed on the website, I’d guess individual
97 Mindy // Jul 20, 2007 at 9:29 am
It was said that information about the fencing team was removed from the site..up one day..gone the next. So, question in number 94 is still not answered.
98 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 9:53 am
If there’s nothing to hide then why remove the story?
Was this an individual competition or a school team competition?
99 Here's an idea... // Jul 20, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Check out this letter from this week’s Florida Jewish News:
“I would like to update you on Ari Givner, one of the fencers that could not fence in the National Championships because of Shabbat. The experience to be at a national competition was too important to pass up so he (with the encouragement of his coach Arnold Mercado) petitioned the United States Fencing Association (USFA) to fence in another division not on Shabbat. Fencing in another division meant that the competition would be harder because he would be fencing older and more experienced fencers. The USFA approved his appeal. They understood his dilemia and gave him another opportunity to experience the national competition. The competition was very tough, but the experience was unforgetable.
Anita Givner
Bay Harbour”
100 Anonymous // Jul 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Still does not answer the question whether Hillel students on the whole participated as a team or as individuals and whether the team played on Shabbat or not.
Who knows the answer?
101 anon // Jul 21, 2007 at 3:46 pm
why dont you go to the website and decide for yourself if this is a school based competition or a national individual competition?
http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/view/1798/100
the fact that hillel students decide to participate on their own has NOTHING to do with the school.
while I may not agree with some of the decisions at the school, the bottom line is that this site is going beyond trying to help the school, but is starting to look for ANYTHING possible to downgrade the institution.
a valiant effort was made to change the direction the school is going, however, dont you think that at this point all of these comments are hurting the school more than helping it? so what if Holden and company leave? whatever reputation the school had has been tarnished sooo badly that his leaving would probably mean the end at this juncture. who would want to deal with a bankrupt school, a bickering parental body, a bickering community? what is so special about Hillel than any educator worth anything would want to come in and save the day?
the fact is that there IS a shortage of truly qualified jewish leaders. those that are qualified have their choice of jobs – WHY, WHY would they ever want to come to Hillel at this juncture??
102 Anonymous // Jul 21, 2007 at 9:29 pm
they wouldn’t and if this mess isn’t cleaned up they never will want to in the future either!
103 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 12:18 am
No, I do not agree with you. “Holden and company leaving,” as you put it, would make a great difference…a positive difference.
As far as a “shortage of truly qualified Jewish leaders, ” as you put it, there were other contenders for Holden’s position. We have been told that one of them — a very viable candidate — is still interested in coming to Hillel.
As far as the tarnished reputation you speak of, please remember what has occurred that has tarnished the reputation. And things continue to happen (e.g., more non-Jewish administrators, Andron leaving) that seem to exacerbate the situation.
I do agree with you, however, that pettiness needs to stop. But #101 is right: This mess needs to be cleaned up.
104 anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 12:33 am
If Holden and Druin were to leave or be asked to leave, then those who have left could and would possibly return. They loved Hillel and its children. That is the very reason they were here.
These individuals along with the current board are the culprits of ruining the school’s long standing impeccable reputation of turning out top notch graduates and providing a nurturing warm Jewish environment that excelled in both Secular and Judaic studies. It is only recently that such areas are being questioned and the school is being turned up side down.
How many times does Holden have to build himself an office. He has been there one year and has moved 3 times. Each time re-configuring the area where he is to sit. WHY???? Should the money be spent on the education, the children, the teachers?????
Why does construction have to take place on his every whim? Or does the board give him carte blanche to spend the budget as he please – - of course they gave him that for everything else.
This is truly an atrocity. …..and either no one sees it – - or no one cares – - Hail to the chief!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
105 Someone // Jul 22, 2007 at 12:35 am
There are still some good teachers left. Holden stays, they leave. Take him out.
106 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 9:22 am
Your right – this mess needs to be cleaned up.
107 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 9:49 am
Take Holden out now and you still could get some very qualified people to fill his spot.
There are a couple overqualified Jews willing to take the position.
This would stop the mass exodus of good teachers.
Many who haven’t left yet are determined to leave if things don’t shape up this year.
Stop him before it’s too late.
108 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 9:57 am
“How many times does Holden have to build himself an office. He has been there one year and has moved 3 times. Each time re-configuring the area where he is to sit. WHY???? Should the money be spent on the education, the children, the teachers?????”
Does Holden have an open end expense account?
Someone should check that out and see if he does, and if he does, how much has he spent and on what.
Sound proofing his office and moving it three times designing it according to his needs must have cost a bloody fortune.
(Btw, Why did he need a soundproofed office? What’s going on in there that is so secretive? Couldn’t people just keep their voices down? Was this and all the other bells and whistles he threw in a necessary expense? The soundproofing business has really got the whole school speculating in some not so pretty ways.
No other dean needed a sound proofed office.)
I guess getting rid of 7 of the office/guidance personnel who help run our school and get our kids into college, and getting rid of several teachers, provided the money to bankroll his rebuilding scheme.
This bloated organization has misplaced priorities.
They are spending money at Holden’s whim on unnecessary things to make him happy while destroying the foundation of what made Hillel so special–top notch educators.
109 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 9:59 am
where is his new office located?
110 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:22 am
It’s high time Adam Holden be asked to leave after all the damage he has caused to Hillel.
Apparently, he destroyed his last school Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy in Kansas as well.
Go read “Stand Up” in the Archives to hear what parents, students, teachers, and alumni of Kansas warned us about Adam Holden.
Everything he did to their school, he has done to ours as well.
Enrollment in Kansas dropped. I’m sure it dropped at Hillel as well.
111 anon // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:00 am
Guys – the issues isnt his office, or anything else. The issue is that people who dont like the direction the school is going in, in my opinion, are now self inflicting wounds. The bickering, the attacks, calling SACS, calling the IRS, etc, etc, etc, etc is ridiculous. What do you really expect to gain?
How will any of this “help”? All it is doing is showing that there is a vocal set of supporters who will go to any extreme to move the school in the direction they want. These extremes include attacking people on a personal level. How will this encourage “new mgmt” to come to the school???
If you really want change, start from now rallying your constituencies. If there is enough support among members of the school for change in May or June, it will happen. If there isnt, then give it up. But do it in a dignified Jewish manner. NOT in the manner that this board has come to.
The bottom line is that, maybe, just maybe, the majority want what is happening at the school now. If this is the case, it is not fair to THOSE KIDS to trash the school in the manner being done here.
For those of us that are in the minority, we have options – we leave. We vote with our decision of where to enroll our children based on our beliefs. We vote with our decision of where to teach. Its that simple. This is not the only Jewish school in South Florida. It wont be the first, and wont be the last to make a strategic change in direction to which some in the community wont agree.
What we cant do is affect the kids who are left, and stain the reputation of their school – which they have a right to attend, which their parents have the right to pay for.
Hillel has made the turn, will they be successful? Only time will tell.
112 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:23 am
It’s too late for that. This school has only itself to blame for the stain its own action brought upon its reputation.
You reap what you sow.
Why did they think their actions would have no consequences, that there would be no checks and balances, or exposure of the truth.
At this point, unless they institute checks and balances that teachers can live with so that they can continue educating without intimidation paralyzing them, this blog is the only means of checks and balances that exist.
If the board would like to take other measures like getting rid of Adam Holden and Michael Druin and instituting an appropriate teacher grievance committee and appointing someone with strong Judaic interpretive skills to oversee curriculum, then there would no longer be a need for this system of checks and balances.
From day 1 teachers and parents have asked for appropriate channels to be put into place and appropriate action to be taken…where are they?
Instead of acknowledging the problems , the board claims that the school is more excellent than ever before.
Until they turn the spin cycle off, this blog is the only means of broadcasting the truth.
THE BALL IS IN THEIR COURT.
We eagerly still await for them to take some appropriate measures rather than lie and pretend that all at Hillel is just peachy keen.
113 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:59 am
Not that easy to move a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader to a new school.
Today’s Miami Herald…Hillel ad for high school teachers in science, math, and social studies. Three out of the 4 core secular areas! And for college guidance and library.
These ads speak for themselves. A school of excellence, etc. would not have such turn-over and job openings. Once again, the “powers” have not taken seriously the role of teachers in a school. Not willing to negotiate with valuable people, such as Mrs. Holcman, indicate their feeling that you can “find teachers anywhere.” Perhaps the same place they find the inexperienced administrators.
So, yes, if this blog can do nothing more than serve as a pseduo checks and balance, then let it continue.
But, i do have a question: What is the purpose of Rafi saying he or she has records if nothing is being done with the records?
114 anon // Jul 22, 2007 at 1:01 pm
to #110
“At this point, unless they institute checks and balances that teachers can live with so that they can continue educating without intimidation paralyzing them, this blog is the only means of checks and balances that exist.”
dont agree with this statement. Why is it only checks and balances for teachers? Is this now only about the teachers? Personally, if I believe that the Head of School is right, then those teachers who dont agree can leave. (which some have clearly done….but, a majority have not)
At the end, its about parents (those who pay) and kids (those who attend). In order to have both, and therefore a solid financial foundation (you cant run a school with no money), you need to have leadership and faculty who are of a certain level.
People – the board has hired their “CEO.” Whether you like it or not, it is who it is. The CEO brings change. Those who agree with the change – and there are many (60% of the vote?) – continue with the CEO. Those who dont can stay and be unhappy, or can leave for greener pastures.
#111 – “So, yes, if this blog can do nothing more than serve as a pseduo checks and balance, then let it continue.”
Its not about it continuing. thats not it – its about the level to which the posts have gotten to that is the problem. The further “in the gutter” it gets, the less credibility anyone who opposes the current direction will have.
Checks and balances is not a blog. This situation is just like any other free market situation. Enrollment will drive the direction. Teachers will drive the direction. If there is not sufficient of both, then, the board will be forced to act. If there is sufficient of both – then the words on this blog will do nothing. The board and management will have their mandate. The people who disagree with have to go their merry way.
115 Someone // Jul 22, 2007 at 1:21 pm
No way.
1. The failure of dissenters to “go their merry way” kept Rabbi Lefkowitz, Mrs. Galitzer, and Mrs. Heber at this school. On the other hand, our failure to act sooner caused bright teachers to depart, as did our failure to WIN.
2. It has never ONLY been about teachers. It has never been about teachers at all. That’s why we fight.
3. Don’t spew any more “free market” nonsense about Holden as the “CEO”. The CEO is ultimately accountable to his stakeholders, and we are the stakeholders–like it or not.
Call the IRS about the donor for an “endowed chair”. I strongly suspect there is no donor. The BMD shifted funds around to create an administrative post above Dr. Andron, because he was regarded as a threat. Now that Dr. Andron has parted ways with Hillel, those funds must go to the JCC Theatre Program.
116 Good Wolf // Jul 22, 2007 at 1:59 pm
So what you are saying is that anyone with a brain that has been taught to think, interpert and use inductive reason is a threat to the PTB?
Outrageous!
117 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 2:44 pm
poster 11o Here.
I’d like to add to the parent who is upset that I have current board members, former board members, CURRENT PARENTS, and current teachers calling me all the time to blog on their behalf.
True, this is not just about teachers.
Many, many are still quite upset and want the blogging to continue. Sometimes the posts get a little petty and ugly. That is true. That is unfortunate. And I agree with you, that we need to stay out of the gutter level. When emotions run as high as they do on such contentious issues, it is inevitable that at times people’s emotions get the better of them and cloud reason momentarily. Everyone is human after all. Everyone makes mistakes.
As for the credibility of this blog, Parent, if there is NO credibility to it, why are you reading it? Why is the board reading it?
They dismissed the credibility of this blog from Day 1 and, yet, thanks to the blog, 3 teachers were thankfully rehired. Thanks to the blog, Chaye Kohl left immediately. Thanks to the blog, an election was held with 500 parents in attendance. The FIRST such an election in the history of Hillel and PERHAPS NOT THE LAST. Because of this blog, some attention has been paid by the Florida Jewish News.
According to true Best Practices all stakeholders are supposed to have a voice in the decision making process of a school. Parent, I can provide you the research.
The teachers, a major stakeholder, have had no say in the decision making process. No say. What do you think Holcman, Feinerman, and Andron left.
Parent, you seem to be okay with the fact that these instructors left. You seem to be suggesting that more unhappy teachers should leave. They probably will eventually if this mess isn’t cleaned up.
Some parents do not have the luxury, as Aviva points out, of pulling their kids out at this point. Their children are in the upper grades of high school and are deeply entrenched at this point. Parents are not about to uproot their kids and have them start all over again in a brand new school and have to make brand new friends because of the NEGLIGENCE of this board.
These parents are still holding out hoping that someone will open their ears and make some positive changes.
In the meantime, this battle continues onward. Everyone here has as much stamina as the board does – they underestimated the fortitude of the community.
Forge ahead everyone…just do it with dignity.
1071 Jewish children, their teachers, and their parents are counting on this community to open its mouth and make sure the problems are resolved sooner than later.
“Only time will tell” We’ve run out of time. A year in the life of a child, a year in the life of a teacher is far too long to wait to see just how LOW Adam Holden can go and just how much more destruction will be wrought by April of 2008. We need to straighten out this mess today.
I suggest, parent, that if you can make any inroads with those board members or know any parents who can do so that you get on it because this blog isn’t going anywhere until order is restored.
118 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 2:46 pm
SOMEONE:
“Call the IRS about the donor for an “endowed chair”. I strongly suspect there is no donor. The BMD shifted funds around to create an administrative post above Dr. Andron, because he was regarded as a threat. Now that Dr. Andron has parted ways with Hillel, those funds must go to the JCC Theatre Program.”
Can you please explain this further?
If there was no donor, then why would Hillel have to reallocate its own money to the JCC?
What am I missing here?
Please explain.
119 Anon // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:10 pm
“Enrollment will drive the direction. Teachers will drive the direction. If there is not sufficient of both, then, the board will be forced to act. ”
The board has already stated that Hillel is not for everyone. They are not being driven by the market and they are not being driven by the teachers shortage.
128 families voting their disapproval – the majority of them high school families – (and those votes were only garnered in the short span of 3 weeks ) – should already have been enough of a capitalistic message that the market in the high school does not approve of the mandate.
Does anyone on that board seem to be listening?
Does anyone on that board seem to care?
There are some on the board who do care and even they are being told to shut up!
Can you imagine? Board members SILENCING other board members? WEll, guess what.? It has happened and it’s still happening.
So much for the market driving the direction of the school.
Ego and allegedly tax evasion are what is now driving the direction of this school.
Should we all just lie down and play dead? They would love that, wouldn’t they?
“The people who disagree will have to go their merry way.”
They already DO have to go their merry way. Why is this day different from all the previous months?
“The further “in the gutter” it gets, the less credibility anyone who opposes the current direction will have. ”
According to the BMD, this blog was ALWAYS in the gutter and NO ONE should read pay any attention to it.
According to the BMD, NONE of the dissenters have ANY credibility AT ALL. NOBODY.
So why should that matter now if it’s never mattered before?
They’ve been giving all dissenters a very hard time from the get-go.
Allegedly, several parents had to step off the new slate for fear of reprisal.
Allegedly, parents who wanted to join the new slate couldn’t for fear their businesses would be boycotted.
MA NISHTANAH HA LAYLA HA ZEH?
120 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:20 pm
“Call the IRS about the donor for an “endowed chair”. I strongly suspect there is no donor.The BMD shifted funds around to create an administrative post above Dr. Andron, because he was regarded as a threat. ”
This sounds right. If a donor were to have given such money then that money was meant to go to Andron.
Why didn’t the school name Andron as the performing arts CHAIR?
(Is there someone more qualified to be the chair of the theatre program?
I suggest Adam Holden is. He seems to be the best actor in town. He’s got a lot of people fooled. Academy award material.)
So, most probably, there is no real donor.
OR, one of the board members was the donor and tried to keep Andron on board with the donation because several knew that Holden was making him miserable and he was getting ready to walk.
This is also a distinct possibility.
I guess the IRS will have to let us know.
121 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:34 pm
“MA NISHTANAH HA LAYLA HA ZEH?”
You will have to translate for all of the administrators.
122 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:41 pm
If there are people on the Board who do not support the current polices, why don’t they all resign in protest? By staying silent, it gives the impression of support. Also, why isn’t CAJE upset about what’s going on?
123 Someone // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Poster 117,
There are two possibilities:
A. The donor wanted to support the theatre program, and payed for a chair. Donor assumed Dr. or Mrs. Andron would be the chair–bringing in a new person would be extraeneous and disruptive–but then the BMD pulled the rug out by using the donation to oust the Androns.
If this is true, that donor must be enraged now, because the donation has gone to the exact opposite ends that were intended. To properly honor this donor, the funds should be moved to the JCC Theatre.
B. There is no donor. Holden and the BMD made an agreement, funds were shifted, and Dr. Andron was forced out.
So, demanding the funds go to JCC will call the Board’s bluff.
124 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Agreed!!!!
125 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I agree with 121 wholeheartedly.
126 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Someone,
We really do need to get to the bottom of this Andron fiasco.
Ultimately though Dr. Andron has a much larger platform and better situation set up at the JCC.
He may not have been forced out but just sick of dealing with the headache.
In terms of cost/benefit ratio , there may just have been too much cost for remaining at Hillel (in terms of a headache) with too little reward to justify remaining.
Just like all of the excellent teachers who have left or are contemplating leaving.
127 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 3:58 pm
It has been said that CAJE does not go head to head with the Schecks publically ever.
You will never hear a peep out of CAJE for that reason.
128 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Holden, Druin, Kohl seem to have targeted the best.the most popular. the most vocal. It would make sense that they were targeting the Androns too. Very threatening.
THE ENVY OF THE GREAT.
DECIMATE EXCELLENCE. BE LEFT WITH MEDIOCRITY AND THERE WILL BE NO ONE LEFT TO CHALLENGE YOUR POWER.
They didn’t count on the excellent minds who are challenging them on the blog.
I’m quite impressed with the quality of thinking and writing I’ve seen here.
They never saw that coming in a million years.
129 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:12 pm
The best and most concrete and most realistic idea to date:
#121: “If there are people on the Board who do not support the current polices, why don’t they all resign in protest? By staying silent, it gives the impression of support.”
OR call a special meeting OR meet with parents and/or teachers OR do whatever they are permitted to do.
130 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:15 pm
They have a gag order on them. If they talk publically they will not be able to help AT ALL and we can’t afford to out them or lose them. Freedom of speech only exists for a very select few at Hillel.
131 Someone // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Is it legal for a private school to falsely claim it received donations?
132 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:38 pm
This is getting out of hand, and rumors will begin. The audited books are supposed to be open to SACS …on a yearly basis. SACS needs to be notified to come in…to look at this and other questionable activities. Nothing else is working. Nothing else is helping us to SAVE HILLEL! If anything, the opposite is happening…more and more negatives. And now we hear there are gag orders. They seem to cover all of their bases. We have to ACT now, just not talk.
133 Akiva Cohen // Jul 22, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Folks, listen to poster 110. The level of rumor-mongering, lashon hara and vitriol I’m seeing here lately is frightening.
134 sad parent // Jul 22, 2007 at 5:39 pm
I apologize for my earlier posts about the fencing team. The 3 students who did not compete in their division represent the best that Hillel had to offer. I say had because it is unclear what direction the school is headed to. ‘School of ‘Excellence’ is a marketing term, not a focus.
I wrote earlier that there needs to be a point to this blog but I think I was wrong. Perhaps it is enough that so many participate, and so many more read about what is happening. The board and the administration are well aware that many, many people read this blog. Maybe not right now, but slowly over time, readers will begin to realize the impact of turning control over the school to adam holden . adam will have to answer if the school loses more students, opens without good teachers or cannot maintain a balanced budget. Up to now he could blame the past- since he has cleaned house he will have no one to blame but himself.
I do agree with #110 to keep the discussion honest and free of lashan hora.
135 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 5:52 pm
“Akiva Cohen // Jul 22, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Folks, listen to poster 110. The level of rumor-mongering, lashon hara and vitriol I’m seeing here lately is frightening.”
What are you talking Akiva? With the exception of one incident, there has been none of that here, and even that one incident mentioned on another thread was true.
There has only been LASHON EMET on this blog: The truth hurts!
Clean up the mess now and create transparency so that speculation about the unknowns will cease.
Start by getting rid of Holden and Druin.
The rest will be much easier to deal with thereafter.
136 Aaron // Jul 22, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I’d like to address some issues:
First, this site may get a little down and dirty, but what alternative do we have? Yes, some people feel that some of the comments “Hurt Hillel” but at this point, many of us feel that current regime is hurting Hillel more than any comment so far posted on this blog.
Second, there are things that have not yet been posted on this blog. Hopefully they won’t be posted. I do not believe in a “scorched earth policy” meaning I am not yet at the point where I would want any information that would force Hillel to close its doors to be leaked in order to remove Holden.
Third, Holden’s views on excellence are damn scary. As far as he is concerned, he is the living embodiment of excellence. He does not care about the quality of the education and the teachers. As long as he can spin his PR machine he can help advance the perception that Hillel is a place of excellence. To him, perception is reality.
Fourth, I know personally that it would take a great deal to make the Androns leave Hillel. Their work at Hillel has been a 20 year labor of love. Things would have to be incredibly bad to cause them to leave on such short notice. It is a wound from which I doubt Hillel can ever recover.
137 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I know so much more information that I have not revealed.
This blog does not even begin to uncover the half of it. This blog merely hints at things.
The information here is only the TIP of the iceberg. Scary, no?
The BMD should thank its lucky stars that people like Aaron and I haven’t said more.
138 Aaron // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Dear “Adam Holden Head of School Must Go,”
Let’s put our heads together. Compare notes. Shoot me an e-mail. My e-mail address shouldn’t be too hard to find.
139 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:12 pm
“Fourth, I know personally that it would take a great deal to make the Androns leave Hillel. Their work at Hillel has been a 20 year labor of love. Things would have to be incredibly bad to cause them to leave on such short notice. It is a wound from which I doubt Hillel can ever recover.”
The tragedy continues to unfold…Act 4 scene 1
140 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Sure Aaron. I already have your email.
141 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Wouldn’t it be nice if some of these issues could be resolved before school resumes next month?
142 Mr. Pink // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:00 pm
“I know personally that it would take a great deal to make the Androns leave Hillel. Their work at Hillel has been a 20 year labor of love. Things would have to be incredibly bad to cause them to leave on such short notice. ”
WHO WILL BE OUSTED BY ADAM HOLDEN NEXT?
143 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:06 pm
On post #121 someone asked why the board members who oppose what is going on are not vocal or resign. They are not like the teachers who might lose their jobs. Can someone “in the know” please clarify that?
Thanks
144 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:07 pm
If they resign, you will have absolutely NO ONE left to plead this case. NO ONE at all.
145 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Many of them are related to each other — there are several siblings on the board — also, I have heard, that one of the good fairies is actually a godchild (or something akin to that) of the Royal Family — so even if she disapproves she will never publically go head to head with them – they are like family to her – all of this nepotism wreaks of corruption.
146 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Most of the related families have had someone on the Board for many many years. Interesting on how they helped build the school over the years and now are part of or silent about what is going on.
147 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Many no longer have kids in the school, so what do they care? Why should they stick their necks out; their kids are long gone? Others have kids who are only in elementary, so what do they know? They don’t have children in high school or more importantly, children in college to clarify what is what. The few who are vocal behind the scenes have been castigated for dissenting. That’s why you don’t hear from them ever. Isn’t this a lovely way to run a school? EVERYONE is afraid. Even members 0f the board. The whole thing is appalling and toxic.
148 anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:21 pm
The whole thing is ridiculous!!!!
Most members of the board are enamoured or pretend to be with the presence of Holden. They do not have the gumption to stand up and speak out. They feel helpless. They would be ostracized by their fellow board members who are neighbors, relatives and best friends.
The donor monies to endow a chair were never intended for Dr. Andron. They were intended for a faculty member. Dr. Andron was not a faculty member. The theater was run as a separate department – as an extracurricular activity as opposed to a structured class taught by a faculty member. It is Holden’s intention now to have a drama department, etc.
Hopefully, he will suit himself in finding which office will fit his fancy as he has now redone 3 in the last year! No money for fieldtrips or supplies for teachers, but plenty for office redesign! You gotta love it.
Of course with such spending habits and trips to Kansas etc, the school surely does not have adequate funding to obtain state of the art technology for their computer labs, etc.
Something is surely rotten – - in North Miami Beach (as opposed to Denmark – as the saying goes). There is something grossly wrong with this picture. The disposal of veteran teachers and replacing them with new inexperienced individuals (at much lower salaries) CANNOT and IS NOT in the best interest of our children or our school. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT HOW TO BUILD A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE.
BUYER Be WARE!!! – -
It is surely time to move forward and SAVE HILLEL – - for our CHILDREN, Our TEACHERS, and our COMMUNITY!!!!
Spread the word!
149 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:28 pm
OK
150 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Who did Holden appoint as the Chair to the theater program?
Who is this person of “excellence” that the Androns were going to have to be made to answer to?
Apparently, Holden has known for some time who he intended to force the Androns to answer to…who is this person?????
Let me guess, some NON JEW? possibly from Kansas too?
or some inexperienced HACK who doesn’t hold a candle to the Androns!
Nice job board!!!
This is true excellence?
Who is Andron’s replacement – apparently selected months ago by Mr. Holden who IS SYSTEMATICALLY DISMANTLING EVERY THING AND EVERY ONE THAT IS TRULY EXCELLENT AT HILLEL.
The final solution.
151 anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Truly as we approach the beginning of the school year, it is imperative that teachers, parents, and students, keep the blog abreast of any changes, new rules, issues, etc that are or could be items of interest.
People are encouraged to provide information as it becomes available. This will be the vehicle to spread the truth as it unravels – - –
Let’s work together to SAVE HILLEL!
152 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Here! here!
153 sad parent // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:07 pm
June 2007 CAJE job posting site:
Judaic Studies Teachers
Hillel Community Day School, North Miami Beach, FL
Join one of the largest traditional Jewish Day Schools in the country. We have teacher openings for the 2007/2008 school year in the high school, middle school, and 4th grade. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and convenient location close to I-95.
Contact Ana Baker at 305.931.2831 or baker@hillel-nmb.net for more information.
Send resume:
Hillel Community Day School
Attn: Human Resources
19000 NE 25th Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL 33180
June 8, 2007 General Studies Teachers
Hillel Community Day School, North Miami Beach, FL
One of the largest traditional Jewish Day Schools in the country has openings for the 2007/2008 school year in High School Science, Math, Library, English, Middle School Jewish History, Social Studies, and Elementary Science & Hebrew. We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
154 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I’m sure the Androns replacement costs much less.
I’m sure that the other teachers who walked of their own volition did so because they were not happy with the salary cuts.
Adam Holden isn’t firing people. He’s slashing their salaries and if they don’t like it, there’s the door.
That goes for Michelle Holcman.
That goes for the Androns too.
Once they walk, he replaces them either with a) cheap labor or b) those who are loyal to him or c) combination of A and B.
WHO IS NEXT?
155 sad parent // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Notice that drama teacher was added to careerbuilders.com
Large Private School in North Miami Beach has the following teacher openings for the 2007/2008 school year:
High School: Math, History, Drama, Chemistry, Librarian and College counseling.
Middle School: Science & Social Studies
Lower School: PK4 & 1st Grade.
We offer competitive salary, excellent benefits, and convenient NMB/Aventura location. For immed. consideration email resumes to [Click here for email] or fax to 305-933-2032. sf13286014
Source – South Florida Sun-Sentinel
156 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:11 pm
“We offer competitive salaries, ”
a blatant lie
salaries are being slashed without reason -left and right -by the menace
this is the REWARD for EXCELLENCE
this is the reward for having the students dedicate a yearbook to you and the reward for running an outstanding theater program
the other reward for excellence or being vocal is being FIRED
a lovely place to work for all
Come join us!
157 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Well he had the drama chair picked out long before. Now he just needs a warm body he can call “teacher”
Good luck finding a worthy replacement; you’ve got some giant shoes to fill.
But that’s how Holden likes it –replace the excellence with mediocrity and there is no one threatening left standing.
It’s textbook dictatorship 101.
158 Someone // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Burn, baby burn…
159 Aviva // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Sad Parent…same ad in Miami Herald today.
160 Anonymous // Jul 22, 2007 at 11:17 pm
excuse me? Someone? I don’t understand your lingo
161 Here's an idea... // Jul 23, 2007 at 6:28 am
Quit the talk about calling the IRS. They can’t help you.
Like every 501C3 charity, Hillel is required to file a form 990 with the IRS every year. Once filed, it becomes public record, and anyone who wishes can walk into the school office and ask for it. They are legally required to fork over the last 3 years worth of 990s.
(BTW, I have heard that Avi Frier is in the process collecting 990s from all of the day schools in South Florida and preparing a report on how our local schools spend their money).
But here’s the problem: Most schools have a fiscal year that runs from July 1-June 30. After the year ends, they have until November to file their 990. So we won’t really have anything on paper about this donor until November 2008. And until there is something on paper about the donor, the school hasn’t done anything that the IRS can look into.
So enough nonsense about calling them. It’s not like dialing 911, where they come out and investigate every call. You will accomplish nothing.
Let’s focus on more constructive means here.
162 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 10:21 am
The IRS apparently received notice years ago about the “contributions” that were being taken as donations on the part of the donors even though we were supposedly receiving back our own tuition money that was paid (with a bonus on top for the transfer of our own funds back to the school–Marshall then took his percentage for “raising” our own money). The IRS did nothing even though the auditors at that time walked off the job when they couldn’t identify where cash paid as tuition was going (not directly into operating accounts).
The COO needs to be pressed for the information. He supposedly is “sympathetic” and “helpful” to this “cause” but the reality is he works both sides of aisle to suit his own needs–particularly since Holden was willing to cover up the fact that the COO has been living with the Data Administrator for almost a year even when she was reporting to the COO (they’ve since had that reporting changed on paper).
163 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 10:24 am
The people who were engaged in the problem that caused the original coverup years ago are still there, the COO is aware of everything that goes on, knows what is happening but opts to cover for all of them–maybe to save his job which is understandable–but he is not the man he appears to be–press him to turn it over. The stakeholders have a right to all of the data and information. This is a 501(c)(3). Nothing should be off limits to requests for information.
164 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 10:46 am
HUH???
Who is the COO – and who has the COO been living with?
165 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 10:59 am
The COO was not there when Marshall was. At that time Marshall ran the business side of things. Going after Marshall now will not help any of the issues now. Holden did not bring on the improper financial dealings. There have been rumors for years.
166 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:08 am
Again – who is the COO being referred to in post 161 and who is the data administrator?
It is rather confusing…..at this point.
167 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:18 am
Leonard Traub-COO
Ilana Sabbagh-Data Administrator
The current COO was not there when all of this happened; he was well aware of everything when he was hired with the understanding that he would leave it alone. He is aware of any contribution trade-offs that are being made for past obligations to Marshall.
There is nothing to go after Marshall with nor does it pay to look back.
The point is that there appears to be no transparency today. The COO works for the school, not Holden. He only reports to Holden and the Board but entirely does their bidding. He may be helping on the side but it is only to give an appearance of helping. He would never do anything to put him bad stead with Holden or Rafa Russ.
168 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:27 am
He was not the individual who was hired when Marshall left. There was an individual hired upon Marshall’s departure – she had worked at Broward Prep. She was the individual who sat in the office and handled the information upon his departure. Her name escapes me – - It was not Leonard Traub! He was not hired until well after all of this.
169 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:29 am
Anonymous,
What exactly needs to be told to the auditor?
I’m sure they are racing to clean up those books as we speak.
170 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:31 am
“The point is that there appears to be no transparency today.”
Correct. Where is the auditor looking now?
171 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:33 am
Here’s an idea:
“And until there is something on paper about the donor, the school hasn’t done anything that the IRS can look into.”
This is not the reason for the audit.
172 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:33 am
Your right, I remember now but I can’t remember the name either. But what does this have to do with anything? Will any of this straighten out the mess for the kids?
173 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:39 am
Transparency and accountability are necessary on every level , and yes, it is believed that the educational and financial issues are connected. Believe it or not. Time will tell.
174 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:43 am
“The people who were engaged in the problem that caused the original coverup years ago are still there”
That is troublesome too. No doubt.
Nepotism, corruption, all individuals involved in unethical dealings should be thrown off the board.
Why haven’t they been?
As another poster elsewhere has suggested: If the people involved in past financial improprities (or their relatives) still remain on the board today, what makes anyone think that this impropriety, in one form or another does, not still go on today?
That is what needs investigating.
175 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:44 am
IT has nothing to do with anything related to our children or our teachers.
However, it is NOT appropriate to inappropriately smear names of individuals and implicate them in situations when it is NOT factual.
I caution people to state the facts – - too much gets lost in conjecture!
We must do all we can to stay on task, on issue, and SAVE HILLEL for our children, our teachers and our community!!!
176 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:45 am
No more conjecture. Let the investigators decide.
177 Anon // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:50 am
“No more conjecture. Let the investigators decide.”
And who is talking to the investigators? This all-talk-no-action stuff is getting ridiculous.
178 anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:59 am
The lady in question took a quick skidaddle when it was revealed that the titles which appeared on her resume were lies. Sound familiar?
179 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:00 pm
“One of the largest traditional Jewish Day Schools in the country has openings for the 2007/2008 school year in High School Science, Math, Library, English, Middle School Jewish History, Social Studies, and Elementary Science & Hebrew”
Does anyone know the teacher line up for the fall?
180 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:01 pm
167–You don’t have your facts right.
181 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Yes, let the investigators decide. Wait – who are the investigators?
“Throw people off the board” – we couldn’t vote them out so how will we “throw” them out?
“Save Hillel for the community” – Other than the few people who write here, I don’t really see the community extremely upset. So either the community doesn’t care or maybe they like the new Hillel.
182 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:07 pm
“So either the community doesn’t care or maybe they like the new Hillel.”
Sad but true.
“Throw people off the board” – we couldn’t vote them out so how will we “throw” them out?
“Yes, let the investigators decide. Wait – who are the investigators?” Time will tell.
Are there enough AP teachers for next year?
We can’t.
183 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:08 pm
177 is correct. The COO was already there having assume Lori Norris’ position. He almost immediately replaced the woman hired between him and Marshall.
We now have audited financials but the data is provided from the financial office and one would assume it is obtained from the COO and possibly the data administrator or people reporting to the COO.
This is not a smear campaign. You are just looking in the wrong place. Holden, Traub, Druin are all accountable to the Board. The Board is responsible for how the finances are ultimately handled and the Board is ultimately liable if there are any wrong doings. They are accountable to the stakeholders but have proven they do not believe in this accountability.
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?
It would not take into account how or where contributions are made/booked/accounted for.
184 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:18 pm
If you/we can organize the parents in the school and particularly the high school to organize and put in a written request asking the appropriate questions, the board will have to explain itself. CAJE and Federation will not do anything–history has shown that to be the case.
Don’t mistake what you refer to as a “smear campaign” for asking legitimate questions about the character, nature and ethics of the administration–all of them. People don’t behave more ethically in business than they do with their own personal relationships. Who pays for Holden’s trips home? Was that built into his contract?
If Holden, Druin, Traub or Board members’ characters are such that questions about their personal lives, including resumes/credentials, cover ups, etc., demonstrate them to be lacking in the moral or ethical character or capable of abiding by Jewish values that we want for our children and teachers, then the nature of these questions and issues are significant.
185 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:33 pm
“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?
It would not take into account how or where contributions are made/booked/accounted for.”
Excellent questions.
This all has yet to be seen and accounted for.
The Board demands scrutiny from its teachers.
Transparency.
Lesson plans. Attendance Books.
5 different administrators without credentials walking in and out of classrooms for 15 consecutive days and other days as well.
So too, we demand scrutiny and transparency of the board.
Cough up the so-called audited financial statements.
They are supposed to be a matter of public record.
If there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear.
Regardless of whether we are the minority or not, notice that, they, a small minority make all decisions for the high school parents, whether the high school parents agree or not.
We may not have much power, but we do have the power to keep demanding transparency and and accountability on every level.
The board may never change its players.
Regardless, they must be subject to the same scrutiny that everyone on campus has been subjected to.
186 Mr. Pink // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:34 pm
“Don’t mistake what you refer to as a “smear campaign” for asking legitimate questions about the character, nature and ethics of the administration–all of them.”
RIGHT ON!!!!!!
187 sad parent // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Please stop. the community at large is reading this and will dismiss the blog as a vendetta unless we stop the personal, unsolicited attacks. the majority of the board are honest individuals who care deeply about the school and the children. simply because they believe in holden and what he is doing doesnt make them dishonest or unethical. stupid maybe but not dishonest.
please deal with issues that can be documented. the parents will be distressed if qualified teachers arent in place by the first day of school, if the thespians dont have a qualified drama program and if the teachers they hired are obviously poor substitutions.
i have lived through the last 5 years of people destroying each other in order to ‘save the school’. it has to stop.
188 Mr. Pink // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:39 pm
This is not about smear or vendetta at all.
IT’s about transparency.
Every institution of excellence demands a rigorous scrutiny and transparency at all levels if it is to remain an institution of excellence.
189 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 12:51 pm
What is the teacher line up? Are there enough AP teachers etc.?
190 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Thank you Mr. Pink. Is it presumed by sad parent to be a vendetta because questions are being asked of our administrators that must be answered? Is it a vendetta to question the Jewish values, moral and ethics of the people who run Hillel? There was a similar discussion under the “News From Hillel” thread. This is not about hurting the people named by various bloggers–this is about the people who have control and responsibility for Hillel hurting our children and teachers. Has there been mismangagement? Perhaps not. But there certainly has not been transparency or the forthcoming of the documents and information requested by stakeholders, including people who ran but were not elected to the Board. There certainly has been no thought given to way management carries out its responsibilities and treats parents and teachers. The effect on the children is shocking–particularly for those in the High School who are commited to Jewish education and want to graduate from Hillel–hopefully a School of Excellence. Hopefully-a school from which they can be proud to grauate.
191 Mr. Pink // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Agreed!
192 admin // Jul 23, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Stephen Korn wrote an email that should have been posted as a comment but instead was appended to the original post. In it, he says:
I will take personal responsibility for failing to send the article to the school. My deepest apologies. My son, Jonathan was not able to write the article before mid June and things have been extremely busy.
193 Aviva // Jul 23, 2007 at 9:42 pm
#191: What are you talking about? What post? What letter?
I repeat what I have stated elsewhere: As per SACS, an audit must be done each year by an outside person. The books must be made available to SACS upon request.
194 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:41 pm
“the majority of the board are honest individuals who care deeply about the school and the children. simply because they believe in holden and what he is doing doesnt make them dishonest or unethical. stupid maybe but not dishonest.”
At what point are they going to wake up and realize that Holden has significantly slashed salaries of individuals like Holcman, the Androns, and talked to Rabbi Kaplan and teachers in staff meetings like they are dirt?
If you are a party to evil–unknowingly–and you have been entrusted with the stewardship of children, then it is your responsibility to talk to the parties in question and hear both sides of the story. Otherwise, you are not “stupid”, but GUILTY of standing by idly while evil is being committed.
The buck stops literally and figuratively with the board.
195 Good Wolf // Jul 24, 2007 at 8:04 am
193 Anonymous // Jul 23, 2007 at 11:41 pm
I am not sure that people will wake up and smell the coffee anytime soon.
This is a serious problem.
I know that many many parents and current and former staff are not in denial BUT….
196 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 8:21 am
Maybe it’s too late for this year. Let the parents of the lower schools, who have supported the Board and Holden, see what they brought on themselves. What we need is a strong showing at next year’s vote for the Board and Officers.
My bet is most of us here are HS parents or parents of alumni. I feel very sad for this year’s 11th and 12th graders for whom moving to another school would be very difficult.
197 Aaron // Jul 24, 2007 at 8:35 am
Take a step back. Take a deep breath. Look at all the damage (or as he would call it “change”) that Holden and company have caused in the course of a single year.
Scary, ain’t it?
198 AAnonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 8:49 am
Very scary, Aaron. But so far all we seem to be doing is banging our heads against a brick wall. And all I’m getting is a tremendous headache. So maybe what #195 says is correct. Re-group and come on very strong in the spring of 2008.
199 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:03 am
I am also getting a tremedous headache.
The bottomline is that the board has been informed of the fact that they are unknowingly COMPLICITOUS IN THE ILL TREATMENT of teachers, that Holden and Druin are horrific to teachers, that Holden and Druin have neglible credentials, etc. etc.
Obviously, they are either in denial or they just don’t care.
At this point, it’s safe to say, that most of them just don’t care. That was clearly evident when they spoke at the election.
The sad parent who worried that this blog was tarnishing the reputation of the school seems to be unaware of the fact that the only people reading this blog are extremely significant stakeholders BUT they are stakeholders who can’t vote – alumni and teachers cannot vote– and the parents who can, a small group of high school parents, are just not enough of a force or critical mass to be reckoned with.
Therefore, this blog doesn’t further tarnish any reputation because no one except the marketers and all of us are reading it.
However, this blog just makes us all feel more hopeless and frustrated as we continue to watch Holden dismantle the school and as we continue to listen to the board defend his actions or turn a blind eye.
It’s hard to be silent in the face of evil.
However, I say that for the sake of saving ourselves a massive headache, at this point we have done everything that we can possibly do, and now the blog should come down.
There is nothing any of us can do anymore.
At this point, I question who we are helping. We are only making ourselves more sick and I’d like to have a return to sanity.
200 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:20 am
At this point also, every teacher who remains and every parent who keeps their children at Hillel does so BY CHOICE knowing full well what they are in for this year.
These are ADULTS making these decisions.
No one is holding a gun to their head to make them stay.
I do feel for those parents who have kids stuck in the upper grades. But those parents can be much more effective speaking face to face with board members than speaking on this blog.
There is nothing more we can do.
Again, I think the blog should come down so we can have a semblance of sanity return. We all put up a great fight. I think we deserve a break.
201 Anon // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:26 am
do yu really want to admit defeat after your fight? taking it down will imply that you have.
it should stay up as testament of the truth of the horrible things that the people behind the scenes are responsible for.
but it makes sense to go down becasue it might actually prompt people to ACT when they lose this venue for communication.
CHOOSE WISELY.
if the site would go down, what would you do? nothing? is it true then that you’re nothing but bitter people who have nothing to do but whine?
MY POINT IS TO STOP ASSUMING THIS IS YOUR ONLY AVENUE. stop whining.
DO SOMETHING.
202 anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:41 am
To post 199.
There are individuals who are on this blog that are not just alumni – they are stakeholders who can vote which would include those with children in ANY division of the school – NOT just high school. It would also include individuals who have donated over the last 3 years at a level of $1k or more.
THIS BLOG IS AFFECTUATING CHANGE AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO!
WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO SAVE HILLEL!
203 Anon // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:44 am
THEN DO SOMETHING!!!!!
204 Mindy // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:46 am
This blog should NOT go down. It is a testament to many months of events.
You do not have to visit it; the option is yours.
School will start soon; an avenue of communication needs to remain.
Yet, wise words in post 201 : “STOP ASSUMING THIS IS YOUR ONLY AVENUE. stop whining.
DO SOMETHING.”
205 AAnonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:47 am
Stop chatting here and let’s see something happen other than the school take a link or two off the web site.
206 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:53 am
Anon,
I don’t think anyone can do anything anymore. And those who can do it behind the scenes cannot broadcast here what they are doing.
Perhaps the blog gives them the information and ammunition to create change. Since we never hear from these silent people, it’s really difficult to assess whether this blog is serving as a vehicle for change, at this point, or if posting here has just become an exercise in futility.
If anyone has any information, I would like to know what is being impacted by this blog other than the fact that it produces a lot of spin by the other side who simply seeks to do damage control and doesn’t seem to care about any of the issues at all.
The blog seemingly leaks the truth out about finances, firings, people who quit, but does anything really change? I wonder.
Cost/benefit ratio. Do the benefits of this blog outweigh the costs to sanity? If someone can please provide some uplifting information that might reinvigorate some people who are tired of banging their heads against a stone wall, that would be great.
Parents–posting here is helpful but unless you are actually opening your mouth to the powers that be, I don’t see what will change.
Teachers–you choose to stay. Deal with your decision.
207 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:54 am
post 205
Stopping chatting here is not going to change things either. It will just save our sanity.
208 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:02 pm
“”Mindy // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:46 am
This blog should NOT go down. It is a testament to many months of events.
You do not have to visit it; the option is yours. ”
Mindy, I hear you. I think I am throwing in the towel after months of dedicating my life to this cause that has no end or solution in visible sight. The problems will probably be resolved in a year or two and this blog serves as a testament to the evil that is occurring. The school has seen numerous changes in the past 10 years. Change doesn’t always come overnight. To those of you who have the staying power to continue battling over months, if not years of time, I salute you and hope that you are successful sooner than later.
209 Anon // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:05 pm
That’s my point.
I know many of you who post here.
I know you are teachers, former and current, and that you feel that you can only talk but not act. But If you’re just going to talk and not act, you’ll get nowhere.
There are people behind the scenes doing things. I know that too. But i know that having one voice is not as substantial as several.
it is your choice whether to talk her or talk to the people who can really make change. You need to approach the media. Not Avi, not a jewish person, but an unbiased investigative reporter – someone who could not be harmed and ostracized by the jewish community by looking into hillel’s dirty history. You need to look into why people were kicked off the board. You need to look into why people who were kicked off the board under hillel’s “safe regime” are now back on it to do more harm than good. You need to look into laws that protect teachers, allow for unions, prevent misters from saying they’re doctors. You need to find out about these financial improprieties. You need to DIG INTO THE BOOKS. you need to know who is funding what. you need to hold a tape recorder everywhere you go and find out if you’re protected legally for doing so. this list could be endless, but those are good starting points.
Otherwise, turn this website off… then let’s see how you’ll feel.
210 Aaron // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:23 pm
“Teachers–you choose to stay. Deal with your decision.”
I find that statement horrible. It takes time to find a different place to work. Remember: all this has taken place within the course of ONE school year.
That’s not much time to find a new place to go.
And some teachers are still in a state of disbelief.
And I don’t blame them.
211 Anon // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:30 pm
you’re right, aaron.
but i think it’s time that they woke up and smelled the coffee.
holden was at HBHA for only a short while before he came here. he did the same thing. you conquer a little at a time.. each year forward will bring more casualties.
212 Aviva // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Good idea there—Keep the blog up but do not post for awhile.
But, before you decide not to post, can you please explain what this means: “You need to look into why people who were kicked off the board under hillel’s “safe regime” are now back on it to do more harm than good.”
213 Anon // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:39 pm
isn’t it public knowledge that when Dennis was part of Hillel’s leadership, Judy Dach was kicked off the board – but somehow she’s back on it?
214 Anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Aaron on #210 while the statement is horrible I agree, and many teachers were not dealt with fairly, if any teacher would want to leave, they are lucky that there is a great demand for teachers here in South Florida. The problem is many (not all) of the teachers at Hillel got used to good salaries as compared to other local Jewish schools, lots of days off for the holidays (before, during and after the holidays), lots of half days. Some teachers even left the grounds to exercise at the J or to do shopping.
In the business world, your given 10 minutes to collect your things and be gone if your not wanted or needed anymore.
215 anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I know she was kicked off at Maimonides so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. They were able to see the evil she was capable of.
216 sad parent // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:12 pm
How arrogant. Teachers are often breadwinners or bring in necessary 2nd incomes. Some work for the tuition break. How easy it is for anonymous bloggers to suggest that they should leave for some greater purpose. Putting food on ones’ table is the best reason of all and not all of us have the option of working in ideal situations. Those who can and want to ,will leave. Those who cant should be respected.
Many people read this blog- admin can supply the stats. Teachers go back in 3 weeks, students in 4. This blog will serve as a great sounding board and as a tool to disseminate information. I would hate to see the school ruined by bringing in reporters or the IRS. I have a feeling that adam and co. will destroy themselves. No, it wont help this years students but then the IRS wont either. Lets have some patience and see what happens in a few short weeks.
217 Aaron // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I for one am more than curious as to what “Dr” Holden has in store to replace the Androns.
218 anonymous // Jul 24, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Ladies and Gentleman:
Honestly, this bickering is not accomplishing anything.
To the individuals who do not think the blog is accomplishing anything. Please do not continue to post and do not read it. That solves that problem.
To the many other individuals – TEACHERS, Parents, Alumni, Donors, Interested Parties, Media, Students, etc.
You are all encouraged to continue to post. It is an avenue for open communication. It is and has been effectuating change. We must be thankful for the little victories. Those who have given up have done so unnecessarily and truly are not loyal to the cause.
The struggle to SAVE HILLEL continues. It is for our CHILDREN AND OUR TEACHERS, that we continue this fight. If these are not important to you then, throw in the towel – - however, the rest of us understand our priorities and value them.
If we do not continue to fight for those who are unable to do so themselves, then we are not worthy of victory. The rest of us are in it for the long haul. We will not be defeated and will not go quietly. There is way too much at stake here to abandon the cause!
We must continue to SUPPORT OUR TEACHER, OUR CHILDREN AND OUR SCHOOL
219 anonymous // Jul 25, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Today, while shopping, I had the good fortune of running into some of my former students. They had their children with them. It was a real pleasure for me and I think for them too. They wouldn’t have this relationship with the new hires. And, the new hires wouldn’t feel the same way about them. It takes a common history to build that. It seems this is all going to be destroyred and soon. What a pity for all of us.
220 Carrot Top // Aug 9, 2007 at 10:13 pm
New hires with no history a blank slates to be molded; tabula rosa…
221 let's make it happen // Aug 12, 2007 at 10:46 pm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070812/ap_on_re_us/hebrew_charter_school
that is fascinating
222 Anonymous // Aug 13, 2007 at 12:03 am
re: the link above. does anyone know yet how many students have left Hillel for BG?
223 Student // Aug 13, 2007 at 2:24 am
Ok. The Fencing Post on the website is completely and utterly wrong. My best friend is on the fencing team and that person simply called up the Fencing Place and rescheduled to compete on Sunday. There were NO problems what so ever. The other competitors also did not compete on Shabbat. Hillel did not need to intervene. The responsible students took care of it by themselves. Had you read the Newspaper you would have known that.
224 Anonymous // Aug 13, 2007 at 6:26 pm
The fencing post said that Hillel should have acknowledged the kids who were upholding Torah values. Had you read it, you would have known, student.