Embattled Hartland Principal in Middle of MEAP Test Investigation
School superintendent defends how Tracey Sahouri handled exams and questions the motives of anonymous tipster.
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The actions of Creekside Elementary School Principal Tracey Sahouri are at the center of a state Department of Education MEAP test probe, Hartland Patch has learned.
The state — which ordered alternative tests citing a breach of security it announced Friday — is focusing on how Sahouri was preparing the tests for distribution and how she secured them under procedures that district officials didn't think were a problem, according to Hartland Superintendent Janet Sifferman.
Sahouri had unwrapped the tests, to be given next week, to make sure there were enough and to organize them by class, according to Sifferman. In addition, she kept the tests locked in her office, she said.
MDE determined those actions breached security because tests are not be be unwrapped until the night before the exam and the tests needed to be under a second lock, according to Sifferman.
But Sifferman defended Sahouri, saying it's her understanding the state's assessment guide doesn't detail those requirements and they are stricter than district officials previously thought. At the same time, Sifferman said she has no problem with the alternative exams and updating procedures because the district wants to ensure the integrity of this and future tests.
"We didn't cheat on the MEAP and I don't believe cheating occurred on the MEAP. I am feeling confident we did not deliberately leak out information," said Sifferman in an interview with Hartland Patch on Friday.
"I feel the tests were secure and they were not compromised. The state does not agree on that. … If anything she's probably guilty of being too organized."
MDE's spokesman wasn't available for further comment Friday after he released a statement that the new tests were necessary. The investigation began Tuesday after an anonymous tip and a final report isn't expect for a couple of weeks, Sifferman said.
An email to Sahouri — who is currently fighting a ticket in which police say she knowingly allowed underage drinking at her home over the summer — was not immediately returned. Neither were a call and email to her former attorney who was representing her in the court case.
Sifferman said the district will now review all its current test administering procedures. She said principals all have their own methods for handling the exams in order to tailor to the needs of their buildings.
In addition, Sifferman said the timing of the tip — after the district decided to allow Sahouri to continue to work while the case against her is pending over some objections in the community — raises a question whether she was singled out.
"It leads one to wonder that, doesn't it?" she said. "It is kind of a coincidence."
The district kept Sahouri on the job after its own investigation found the allegations not credible enough to take any action until the case is resolved or more evidence comes to light. Sahouri was ticketed after police say she knew underage drinking was happening during her child's July 9 graduation party at their Argentine Township home, but her attorney says she didn't break the law because authorities were called once the illegal behavior was discovered.
The next court date is Oct. 26 with a possible Nov. 17 trial.
Editor's note: The article was updated Tuesday, Oct. 11, to reflect that Sahouri has a new attorney.
Michele Gonzalez
7:31 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
This is just rediculous! The meap tests were being prepared for the classes to take. They were secured! Another waste of tax payers money on this witch hunt (which is exactly what this is btw). Whomever sent in the tip.... I hope your vindictiveness is returned to you by karma. Thanks also for wasting our tax dollars especially when every penny counts.
Dan the Man
11:11 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Why don't you talk to Mrs. Sahouri about the tax money her and her family are wasting in Genesse County by lying and going forward with a trail. And you couldn't be more right about karma, as the saying goes you reap what you sow. Apparently Mrs. Sahouri isn't sowing very good seeds these days.
Linda Bowen
11:41 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
So, people who defend themselves within the structure of our justice system are wasting taxpayer dollars?
Lynn
8:32 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Enough already! Leave Tracey alone. This is just too coincidental. Whoever did this is only hurting the kids.
Jazz
9:00 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
I think this whole thing is sad! Maybe if our superintendent put Sahouri on administrative leave like the majority of the community wanted this would not be costing the tax people additional money!!! Put the blame where it belongs people!!!
Linda Bowen
11:36 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Majority of the community? By what measure -- posts here on Hartland Patch?
Concerned mom in Hartland
10:29 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011
It's nice to know our leadership staff is not held accountable in the Hartland school district.
Jazz
12:40 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Well i think it would be a great idea to see how many familys did not go to
Creekside this year! Believe it or not the majority of the community in Hatland it tired of the crap in Hartland! It's time to clean house!! starting at the top and getting down to the rest of the corup member who work here!!! Maybe we should starting asking the people in the communtiy what they want!!
dan rice
1:53 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
wow, that's a lot of exclamation points.
Janet
5:48 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
With only what has been released to the public to go on, it looks to me like Mrs. Sahouri is particularly "unlucky," if nothing else. She bears the responsibility of being a school principal, yet finds herself ticketed for hosting a party where minors were drinking. Soon after, she is found responsible for a breach of the State-mandated regulations under which certain tests at her school are to be conducted, resulting in the use of an alternate test. Either Mrs. Sahouri is having a run of bad luck, or Mrs. Sahouri exhibits particularly poor judgement, especially for someone in her professional position.
Debbie Suiter
7:26 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2011
Hey Jazz.....I'll bet Mrs. Sahouri could be a BIG help you w/ your spelling and grammar errors....just saying!
Rosanne
6:51 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
You who are without sin, cast the first stone!
Rich Voss
11:27 pm on Monday, October 10, 2011
Jazz must be hitting some nerves in the comments left here, which is resulting in the juvenile comments about the grammer! stick to the issues at hand. Any parent who has a student in the district should have some concern with all of this, its your kids and there futures! dont piss it away in the political pool!
mommyof3
6:19 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I did call and email the superintendant of Hartland schools in regards to my concerns on this issue along with the earier issue in regards to the principal at Creekside. What a suprise no phone call back or email. I have 2 children in the school district, one goes to Creekside, and wanted to voice my concern. Now what?
Concerned mom in Hartland
8:02 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Go to the school board
Debbie Suiter
10:13 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2011
Didn't hit any of my nerves. What's right is right.
My twin daughters both attended 4 years at Creekside Elementary School...and I found Tracey Sahouri to be one of the most compassionate, caring, disciplined, responsible, politically correct people I have ever met. The one thing she is not is an idiot that is hell bent on ruining her own career. She was fair to all the different life styles she encountered and taught the children under her to always do the right thing..and to make good choices. There are always 2 sides to every story and if parents would take the time to talk to her and get to know her they would realized that she is always on the side of doing what's right. If you weren't at her sons party...don't throw stones at her. We will all be in the position of having a graduation party for our children...it could happen to anyone of us.
Ryan
2:21 pm on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
As a Hartland graduate I can honestly say I do not miss any of this. People need to calm down and stay out of issues that they simply aren't involved in. Why do all these parents feel the need to destroy Mrs.Sahouri's reputation forever? She has been a dedicated member of your community and has enriched the lives of many young children. Shame on you all for tearing her down