Former Hartland Principal Suing School District
Tracey Sahouri has filed a lawsuit against Hartland Schools.
Former Creekside Elementary School principal Tracey Sahouri filed a lawsuit against Hartland Schools in the Genesee County Circuit Court seeking damages that “far exceed $100,000,” according to a report from the Press & Argus.
On March 26, the Hartland school board voted 6-0 for the non-renewal of Sahouri’s administrative contract. Sahouri, who is currently a vice-principal at Hartland High School, was transferred in November after allegations that she mishandled the MEAP test during her time at Creekside.
In the lawsuit, which was filed on April 9, Sahouri is suing the school district for slander and libel, invasion of privacy and gross negligence and claiming the district "spoon-fed" information to the press with a "reckless disregard of the truth,” according to the Press & Argus. The suit also alleges that the school system violated the Whistleblower Protection Act by not renewing her administrative contract.
A press release by superintendent Janet Sifferman released on Monday addressed Sahouri's lawsuit by saying:
"It appears this lawsuit is in response to the nonrenewal of Ms. Sahouri's administrative contract," the statement reads. "It is unfortunate that it has come to this. On the advice of the district's attorney, the district has followed the required procedures necessary, as outlined by the state of Michigan, for a nonrenewal of an administrative contract."
During the March 26 school board meeting, school board president Kevin Kaszyca explained that the motives behind the school board’s decision to not re-new Sahouri’s contract were based on results from the MEAP test investigation that was conducted by Superintendent Janet Sifferman and Assistant Superintendent Scott Van Epps and were unrelated to the underage drinking allegations that Sahouri faced last summer. Charges in that case were dropped in December.
“I also want to clarify for any of you that have read the state report and our own summary of our investigation, that this is not ... just about opening some test pamphlets and having them in an unsecured room," Kaszyca said.
"Our administrators are held to the highest standard," Kaszyca continued. "Leadership, trust, honesty, you cannot be an administrator in this district if you do not have those qualities. This board has never shied away from tough decisions."
Over the past months, Patch readers have either vocalized their support or non-support for Sahouri on the comment section and when news of Sahouri’s lawsuit was posted in Hartland Patch’s Facebook page yesterday, several readers commented on the latest development.
“Unbelievable,” Patch reader Kathleen Helppi wrote. “My thought is if she truly wanted to do what's right for students she'd let it rest and let the administration do their job not spend their time on this matter any longer.”
Hartland parent Michele Gonzalez however, disagreed with the board’s decision of non-renewal leaving this comment on the March 27 story.
“Even IF Ms. Sahouri did handle the test improperly, termination of her position is an EXTREME disciplinary action and completely out of line,” Gonzalez wrote. “Maybe a written reprimand would be the most that I would see in this situation. To have her removed was a vengeful action from Sifferman. Sifferman used her political talents to gain what she wanted... Sahouri gone.”
Sahouri is also involved in another lawsuit involving the Argentine Township and Police Officer Arch Ravert which she filed in January which is related to the underage drinking charges from this past summer.
During the 2012-2013 school year, Sahouri will be placed as a teacher within Hartland Schools and maintain her current salary until the end of her contract in 2013.
"But my love will still remain with the children," Sahouri said after the March 26 vote. "I'll continue to be an assistant principal at the high school until the end of the year and give it my all."
Jordan Genso
2:07 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
From the article:
“I also want to clarify for any of you that have read the state report and our own summary of our investigation, that this is not ... just about opening some test pamphlets and having them in an unsecured room," Kaszyca said.
Could someone please explain what was it about then? Were there any suspicions of actual cheating? Any attempts or plans to cheat? Or were the possible violations solely administrative and procedural in nature (I know there are claims that Mrs. Sahouri interfered with the investigation, but even if true, that is an "insult with no actual injury").
I am asking if the results of the investigation revealed any actual harm done by Mrs. Sahouri, because I am not fully informed (and the hyperlink "mishandled the MEAP test" in the second paragraph leads to an expired article, so I'm not sure how to track down the reports that Kaszyca referred to). Obviously, I want the proper procedures to be followed by school administrators, but I would hope that the school board would require more tangible wrongdoing than an improper following of procedures to justify a non-renewal of a contract.
Or at least, the school board needs to have found more tangible wrongdoing to justify Kaszyca's statement that it wasn't just procedural concerns. If it's not "just about opening some test pamphlets and having them in an unsecured room", then what is it about?
Jamie Frederick
8:38 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
So I guess what you are saying that just because it was the principal's responsibility to follow the rules of protecting the test, if it was a procedural error it's okay. That's a 27 year old talking with little life experience and low integrity ("just because it's against the rules/procedures/law, if it didn't hurt anyone, why is it wrong") and also very ironic since your profile states you are all for transparancy in government, which I believe would apply to school government. Do you even have children? Would you want a child of yours influenced by a person of authority who seems to have a pattern of misconduct? I think it's ludicrous that Hartland would even place her back in the classroom, although I understand in this litiguous society that this was their only option. If it was my child that was placed in her classroom, I would demand a new teacher. Unfortunately, the thoughts you have expressed are why people in their forties are afraid of the morals and values of the future leaders of our local governments and federal governments.
Jordan Genso
10:41 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Hi Jamie,
If a driver is pulled over for speeding, and the cops throw the person in jail, and I ask if there were any additional violations besides the speeding (or was it just a violation that was "insult with no actual injury"), would that automatically make my position that I think speeding is "okay"? Or could I still recognize that speeding is wrong, but just not feel it is worthy of being thrown in jail?
If I said that I don't think procedural errors are "okay", would that contradict anything I wrote in my first comment? No. So don't misrepresent my position. My position is that while a procedural error is not "okay", I question if that alone justifies non-renewal of the contract of an otherwise good administrator (based solely on what I've heard, so take that claim for what it's worth).
And more importantly, it is school board president Kaszyca that is implying there is more to it than just procedural errors, and so I am asking what is that "more to it" part.
Jordan Genso
10:49 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Furthermore, to address your specific questions/points:
-I don't know what my age has to do with the issue, so please don't use ad hominems. They're a pointless logical fallacy. I could be 12 or 120, and it should have no impact on the vaildity of my position.
-I am in favor of school government transparency, which is why I am asking what the school board president was alluding to. I want more information, not less. If Mrs. Sahouri was actually cheating, absolutely that needs to be well-known. But don't hint at more wrongdoing, and then let the public's imagination take over.
-I do not have children, but again, that is irrelevant to the issue.
-I do not see a "pattern" of misconduct, but only one incident. Again though, that is why I am asking if there was more that I am unaware of. If there is a "pattern", then I would be a little uncomfortable about that authority figure's questionable role model position in my hypothetical child's life. I would not be so quick to say that anyone who has ever made a mistake should no longer be able to teach, since that would eliminate the entire population from the pool of potential teachers, so you and I may have different tipping points as to when a person's mistakes become too much.
Jamie Frederick
8:42 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
And yes, I'm passionate about this subject. I have children that are greatly influenced by their teachers, principals and coaches and I'm finding that integrity and morals are found less and less often as time goes on. This lawsuit is case in point. Just think back to who influenced you in school. Was it an adult that went out of their way to get a payout when they were found guilty in two separate investigations (local and state)? Probably not.
Jamie Frederick
8:48 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Mrs. Sahouri believes her contract wasn't renewed due to charges (yes, dropped) stemming from minors drinking at a party she was hosting. Of course, it's possible she didn't realize children were drinking at her party, although the first statement out of her husband's mouth was yes, he knew children had been drinking. Sadly, she doesn't even have the good grace to say I'm sorry for what happened, just defend herself, much like the robber that gets shot in the arm in the commission of breaking and entering, then sues the homeowners for his injuries. Again, it's ludicrous and very backward.
hartland eagle
9:33 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
You're passionate about the subject - but not enough to show up at the board meeting and speak about it. Like 25 people did in support of Sahori each time the board discussed it. I call that spineless. If you were at the meeting, you'd have heard about the profound impact that Sahouri had on a generation of students, their parents, and staff members.
Jamie Frederick
8:56 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
"If it's not "just about opening some test pamphlets and having them in an unsecured room", then what is it about?" "(and the hyperlink "mishandled the MEAP test" in the second paragraph leads to an expired article, so I'm not sure how to track down the reports that Kaszyca referred to)." A simple internet search reveals:
Archives of the Livingston Daily Press and Argus
Superintendent recommends review of Sahouri's contract
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus - Howell, Mich.
Author: Frank Konkel
Date: Feb 13, 2012
Start Page: n/a
Section: FRONTPAGE
Text Word Count: 233
Abstract (Document Summary)
The district spells out several reasons for the consideration in its agenda packet, including "misconduct regarding the administration of the MEAP test," "improperly" pressuring or influencing staff and being "untruthful during the investigation" conducted by the district.
Jamie Frederick
9:04 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Last but not least, here is the link (easily accessible on the internet) for the information you were looking for - http://hartlandschools.us/board_of_ed/board-packets/2011-2012/2012-02-12.pdf.
Jordan Genso
11:16 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thank you Jamie for the link (the info on pg 19 is what's relevant).
So the reasons were:
a) Procedural violations regarding the MEAP, and impeding the investigation of those violations
b) Pressuring others to be untruthful during the investigation
c) Being untruthful during the investigation
d) Some staff members are unhappy with her
e) The administrators no longer trust her
I still don't really know what happened, as that can cover a lot of scenarios. Those five reasons would equally apply to each of the following:
[Mrs. Sahouri conspired to cheat with other teachers, and then did everything possible to impede and mislead those who looked into the attempt to cheat. She lied countless times, physically threatened others to intimidate them into lying on her behalf, and she herself lied about everything under the sun, including the name of her father's childhood pet. She then called her co-workers every name imaginable and spit in their food.]
[Mrs. Sahouri kept the MEAP booklets in an unsecure location, where some of the teachers saw the booklets before they were supposed to. When the invesigation into wrongdoing began, she asked everyone to say the booklets were in a locked closet. Some people don't like her because not everyone likes everyone.]
With both of those scenarios qualifying for the same "findings", I still remain skeptical that the non-renewal was justified. What really happened is still unclear to me, and it's important. Do you know more?
Jordan Genso
11:26 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
And I think that's an important point. I am skeptical of the legitimacy of the non-renewal, yet I recognize it could be justified if there is more to it than I know. I take an innocent until proven guilty approach, yet won't disregard truthful evidence proving guilt.
Do you admit that it is possible that Mrs. Sahouri was unjustly non-renewed? Could it be that the second of my two hypothetical scenarios is what occurred, and that is a relatively minor infraction to lose your job over? That she could've just not had the tests locked up properly, and then when asked about it, lied and said she did. Is that still a possibility in your mind, or are you certain she was more egregious than that?
Michele Gonzalez
10:35 am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I guess my post didn't go through so just in case... here it is again...
Jordan, thank you for so eloquently bringing out points that many of us would have liked to express. This is a blatant over-reaction by the board, in my opinion, aggravated by a person that has a personal and professional vendetta against Ms. Sahouri. The "punishment doesn't fit the crime". To basically fire someone from a minor mistake in procedure of those tests is outrageous to me. Also, I would like to point out that the children were given alternate tests and did fabulously on them.
These board members have caused unnecessary stress in this school district. The boards unreasonable decision is now going to cost us not only in a loss of a great administrator, mentor and school leader in Ms. Sahouri but also now in funds. I'm a tax payer with a child in the Hartland school district and I don't like to see funds go to pay off lawsuits, settlements, etc but in this case... absolutely. I feel Ms. Sahouri deserves to be compensated for the unacceptable way she's been treated...
Thanks once again Ms. Sifferman! If anyone is guilty of taking away from this school district it's you! I will remember this when voting time comes around.
sassyme
12:06 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
LOL,
here we go with Jordan again, self-appointed moderator of threads regarding Mrs.
Sahouri, AKA supporter of Mrs. Sahouri.
Be aware that once you stump him/her, LB will start posting. So transparent the both of you are!
Finally, the writing was on the wall that Sahouri was going to sue. No doubt the school district will just settle with her as it's the cheaper route to take. More money to be taken from the children....how sad :(
Jordan Genso
2:08 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I'll wear the moderator label with pride (even if it is self-appointed), as someone needs to moderate those who wish to infect the public discourse with unfounded claims that have the ability to ruin a person's reputation. The claims could be true, but I won't let them get a free pass without scrutiny.
"Be aware that once you stump him/her, LB will start posting."
Are you making that statement based on something that has happened in the past, or is it just a prediction about the future with no evidence to go on. Because while my memory is not flawless, I can't recall that scenario playing out before.
And I am a 'him' :-)
Annie
12:53 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
This whole story from beginning (party) to end (2 law suits) makes me sick. I believe 100% that Sahouris knew that those kids were drinking and turned a blind eye to be "cool" parents until it all went wrong. Mr. Sahouri stated as much in his first comment to the Press and Argus.
As for the MEAP, I believe some people with an ax to grind saw an opportunity and went with it. That doesn't change the fact that how she handled the test and the investigation was wrong.
I would have much more respect for Traci if she would have admitted a mistake with the party, a teaching moment for parents and kids, instead of lying to cover it up. I would acutally applaude her for it. Instead she has taken the low road and wants to profit from it.
sassyme
1:20 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Annie,
I would hope someone reported the cheating on the MEAP b/c it was the right thing to do, rather than grinding an ax. Maybe I'm naive but it's hard for me to believe that someone would be so vindictive.
There is a lot of pressure on the principles and teachers for students to do well on MEAP's etc., The No Child Left Behind Act has been the cause of it. And a lot of cheating has transpired. Google it and you'll find that there has been issues in Philadelphia, Detroit, etc.,
Annie
3:46 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
sassyme,
I hope you are right too!
sassyme
1:23 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Hartland Eagle,
how can you a behavior spineless when you post in support of Sahouri annonymously?
hartland eagle
5:37 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Difference being - I SPOKE AT THE BOARD MEETINGS!
Why anyone would post anything on the internet in anything but an anonymous format is beyond me. Those that do will have their comments accessible to anyone in perpetuity. Hope they're comfortable with whatever ramifications that may have.
stephanie pytlowanyj
11:20 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sounds like a double standard to me, Harland Eagle. You will speak at a school board meeting but continue to post anonymously here. Who are you? Ms. Sahouri's husband? You tend to drop a bit of info here and there that only an "insider" would have.
hartland eagle
8:56 am on Saturday, April 21, 2012
No, I drop information that people that actually know what they're talking about would have. You know, because I have kids that actually went to Creekside, that she impacted profoundly through her work. I have more information than you because I sat through two board meetings and listened to 50 people stand up and talk about what a great administrator she was.
mike t.
5:46 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
I find it interesting that Janet Sifferman said Tracy would not have a reduction in salary if she becane a teacher. A statement she made to the press when Tracy filed against the police. Now they say Tracy will go to a teacher salary after 2013. So it was ok for Jan to lie to press shouldnt her job be in jepordy too.
Michele Gonzalez
8:32 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Very good point Mike. But Ms. Sifferman seems to think she's above the principals and values that she claims to enforce. They don't apply to her for some reason.
Just Watching
11:24 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Hi Mike, That's appears to be taken out of context. I am not a fan of how this overall situation was handled initially but, if some fairness to superintendant on this her comment was that Ms. Sahouri would not take any kinf of pay reduction when she is initially reassigned as a teacher. Her contract terms will stay in force until the end of the 2013 school year. At that time she will enter the pay scale as a teacher at the appropriate step, which, is dictated by the negotiated agreement for teaching staff. This was actually in the articles published, just wanted to clarify.
mike t.
8:00 am on Saturday, April 21, 2012
The first response to the lawsuit against police just said there would be no reduction in pay it did not talk about contracts
stephanie pytlowanyj
1:43 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Mr. Thompson,
you are confusing the two separate issues. With the issue of underage drinking where the police were involved, and Ms. Sahouri had to appear in court, Ms. Sifferman, per the Hartland Patch, fully supported Ms. Sahouri, Ms. Sifferman conducted her own investigation into the issue and found no wrong doing by Ms. Sahouri. Ms. Sahouri remained in her position as principal. Ms. Sahouri wasn't disciplined by the school district for this, and the issue was dropped in court for insufficient evidence (if I am recalling correctly).
It was when the issue with the MEAPs came up, and Ms. Sifferman and also the assistant superintendent conducted an investigation, per the Hartland Patch (or possibly the Livingston e-paper), that Ms. Sahouri was initially placed on leave but then quickly reassigned as assistant principal of the high school. The investigation showed Ms. Sahouri conducted herself in a manner that wasn't acceptable to the school district. All of this has been in the local papers but can probably also be obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Ultimately the decision was made by the school board to not renew Ms. Sahouri's contract as an administrator. However, she will still be paid an administrators wage for the last year of her contract and while she works as a teacher, next school year.
stephanie pytlowanyj
1:22 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
So Hartland Eagle, why do you post here anonymously?
You had claim your right to post here anonymously because "Difference being - I SPOKE AT THE BOARD MEETINGS!". But now you post "I sat through two board meetings and listened to 50 people..." And if I am recalling correctly in past posts you had written that 25 people spoke in favor Sahouri at the school board meeting.
You aren't very consistent Hartland Eagle.
hartland eagle
4:46 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Wow, you seem obsessed with what I did. I spoke at both meetings AND I listened to everyone else speak. Is that clear enough for you?
You really don't understand why people post anonymously? I don't have to justify myself to you, but you're clearly naive about it, so let me clue you in. Don't post under your own name, because the information is available, publicly, to any person, mentally stable or unstable - FOREVER. Do I want people linking up everything I say, forever, with where I live, who my children are, where I work, who my friends are, etc etc. No, I don't. If you're comfortable giving away that much information about your identity, because you think it somehow gives your opinions more validity - good luck.
Anonymous Awesome person
6:11 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Listen, I am a student. I really do not think that we should accuse and not accuse people for things that they may or may have not done. I know that Tracy Sahouri was and is and always will be a great principal. But, I personally do not think that she has done multiple of the things she is being accused of. She kept the MEap tests locked in her room, didn't she? Do you really think that she would have locked them in her room just for cheating? Let us start a chain reaction of not accusing. Let's accept on of Rachel Joy Scott's challenges. For all of us that like Mrs. Sahouri ad think that she should not have to deal with the pressure, ANONYMOUSLY (Like Hartland Eagle) please post a positive gossip about Mrs. Sahouri. I for one, think that she is amazingly and awesomely nice and caring. If you were to go to the principal's office, you would be talked to in a sweet voice. Mrs. Sifferman, if you see this post, please talk to the board members and rethink your decision and what you might do next time this comes up.
stephanie pytlowanyj
6:59 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Hey Anonymous Awesone person,
a very kind gesture on your part, however, from your post it's obvious you don't know all the *facts*. Further, you and any other student can post here all that they want, but, per the adult world, it's a done deal. In general, once both sides lawyer up, it's in the hands of the legal system. I strongly suspect in a year or two a monetary settlement will be reached and this entire incident will be nothing but a blip on the radar of life.
Anonymous Awesome person
6:14 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
Oh, and also, Go Mrs. Sahouri for suing! You deserve it!
stephanie pytlowanyj
6:47 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012
LOL Hartland Eagle, too funny :)
Jamie Frederick
10:09 am on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saddest fact here - we all know how this will end up, no matter the facts. Hartland Schools will settle before it goes to court to avoid bad publicity associated with the school system. Schools are a business now and have a need to protect their reputations as any good business has to do, as Mr. Pabst and Ms. Sahouri are banking on. Good luck to Ms. Sahouri in her next job - hopefully it's not another school. Unfortunately for the Linden community, she and her husband will still reside there and there is no way around that.
Jamie Frederick
10:11 am on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Making friends and influencing people.
stephanie pytlowanyj
5:27 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Annie,
I don't think a student wrote the post by Anonymous Awesome person. What kid do you know uses the word "whoopla". And the statement "You seem a little over commited with this" doesn't sound like a kid statement either. Unfortunately, it's probably a parent trying to sound like a student.
I also think that the Sahouri supporters are tying to use this forum to get their "truth" out and it's failing miserably. Our constitution protects their right to post here but unfortunately doesn't guarantee the integrity of the posts.
hartland eagle
6:09 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Yeah, it's probably a parent, who just happens to be quoting what was discussed at a school assembly last week.
Anonymous Awesome person
7:21 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Excuse me? I AM a student and you can think what you want to think about me but you know what? Have you seen the article about me? It proves that I am a student. And I was crying at the assembly because it was mOving. Do you really think that a parent would know all of this stuff. I have a 4.0 and thnx for that comment Annie. It was very sweet. So please comment thanx!!
Anonymous Awesome person
9:02 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Hartland eagle, I meant for just this past marking period I had a 4.0 which means I had straight a's.
stephanie pytlowanyj
10:22 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Below is the post that I was referencing as not appearing to be written by a student, and certainly not by a student with a 4.0
"Stefanie- You seem a little over commited with this. Let's not make traci feel bad and feel bad about all of this whoopla. And yes I do know the facts. Anf I was saying don't accuse because somebody had said that they thought that traci knew about the drinking at the party. That is a no no. And just because I am a kid it does not mean that I can change things. Mmmhhhmm. I said it. And u and Hartland eagle have had a little argument. What if she is ur boss and u do not even know it."
Anonymous Awesome person
10:26 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
I would love to post a pic of my certificate that says I was on the honor roll.
Anonymous Awesome person
10:27 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
And this was on my iPhone so it goofs up when u touch it on the keypad.
Michele Gonzalez
11:20 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
Your post to AAP did seem to be a personal attack to me. Sorry you don't agree.
stephanie pytlowanyj
11:37 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
Michele Gonzalez, that is your opinion, and not my truth nor my intent.
If you will notice in Anonymous Awesome Person first post, and when I thought it was a student posting, I supported her/his gesture of kindness. However, when a subsequent post did not appear to be written by them, again, I questioned if it was a post by a student, and it wasn't just based upon spelling errors.
Further, if you read ALL of my posts I have NEVER condemned Ms. Sahouri (nor her supporters) I have stated (based upon what I have read in the State report, schools report, etc.,) what the issue is. After all you have accepted that from Jordan Genso so why not from me? I suspect it's b/c you don't agree with my restatement of the facts and facts which I have read in the State's report, school reports, and the media (such as Ms Sifferman stating she did an investigation and found no wrong doing by Ms. Sahouri in the underage drinking issue).
Personal attacks are unnecessary. I would think we could all be adults and agree to disagree.
Just Watching
11:38 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
After watching all the comments on this topic I really hope the Patch goes the same route as the Livingston County Press and allows comments only linked to established Facebook accounts. Once the Press did this all the "personal" comments went away.
Jordan Genso
12:14 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
In regards to the P&A's new system, I don't know if you've seen the comments from "Hitt Mann" and some other obvious pseudonyms that still go the personal route, but even the Facebook commenting doesn't take care of "all" the 'personal' comments. There's a James Jonas on there now who is worse than anyone here when it comes to insult baiting.
With that said, it's still better over there than it was prior to the switch, but that site started out much worse than the Patch community currently is. Overall, I'm not aware of a site that has both conservative and progressive commenters where the discussion is more cordial than here. Obviously there is room for improvement here, and some commenters here stand out for their bad behavior, but at least they usually appear to be the exception.
I don't think Facebook commenting would be the best solution. I think stronger moderation is a better option. And not just moderators that delete bad comments, but those that also play the position of unbiased referee, questioning those who are making statements from either side, and calling out all unwarranted personal attacks as unacceptable.
Just Watching
12:20 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
Agreed Jordan, the change did take care of quite bit of it. Unfortunately, just like in our political system the discussion doesn't stay objective or civil.
Anonymous Awesome person
4:09 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
Oh, please don't worry or feel bad for me, Michelle, she doesn't scare me one bit. Sure, she thinks that she is doing not the wrong thing, and I really in truly deep deep down think tht she means it, but do we really have to do all of this stuff?? All the bad comments and all of the negatives, I can list many people on thi website and friends and even myself that have said a bad comment even if it was not online. But then you know what my mom makes me do? She makes me say 5 things that I agree with tht that person or like about that person. Why don't we do that here? Read the article about starting a chain reaction. It could seriously change Hartland. And the patch.
Elizabeth Howarth
10:47 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
If Ms, Sifferman or whatever she is called the Superindntdent, her obligation is to oversee all functions of the schools, not just one. How many parents does she know about that have been hurt, bullied, harasesed, lied too, discriminated against the teachers, been physically abused at the schools? When I asked her personally she nothing about anything. Hmmmmm I thought we elected her to be the director of all the schools and keep them safe???? Seems to me she has done a great job!!!!!
stephanie pytlowanyj
11:49 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012
Sometimes a certified letter is more effective than verbal communication if the issue is a serious one.
Destiny
9:55 am on Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Tracey Sahouri is the most wonderful human being I have ever met. You guys have nothing better to do in your lives than talk horribly about this as if you actually know who you're talking about. She is compassionate about her students and the work she does. She has morals. And you had to second guess that you obviously don't know what you're talking about.
Crystalball
9:03 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
For those of you who are still stuck on the drinking issue, lets clarify something. When police asked Mr. Sahouri if he was aware that drinking was happening, he responded, "yes". Of course he did. He is the one that called the police to assist with the young lady who showed up intoxicated. He is the one who carried her to safety and cleaned the vomit out of her mouth. He is the one who called her parents and made sure she was well taken care of. There were no MIPs given that evening or any misconduct investigated. Furthermore, the sahouris were found innocent on the entire drinking incident in the court of law.
Crystalball
9:05 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
As far as the MEAP investigation, the entire district unwrapped the MEAP tests early. This is against the MEAP rules therefore the whole district was in error. Why not focus on just putting one administrator and school down, especially since she was previously falsely accused of a drinking incident. Please remember, the call to the Michigan Department of Education was anonymous. So then Ms. Sahouri is removed from Creekside and placed at the HS. In May, 10 days before seniors were out she was escorted out of the HS. I have a student at the HS and this was a total disruption. Did you know...she turned in to authorities a threat that was writtne on the bathroom wall but dismissed by other administrators? Did you also know that she had to intervene at prom, because she was on duty as an administrator, with a student that was intoxicated that happened to be a board member's child. She wanted policy to be fair and to be followed. Police were not called ot the scene, but they are called at HHS if a student is suspected to be under the influence. Does this make sense to anyone? Two approximately 4 days after the prom, Ms. Sahouri, once again, was told she was being placed on administrative leave. She was given no notice and was passionate about the students at the HS, just as she was at Creekside.
sassyme
8:37 am on Friday, April 26, 2013
Crystalball, from a post above:
"Archives of the Livingston Daily Press and Argus
Superintendent recommends review of Sahouri's contract
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus - Howell, Mich.
Author: Frank Konkel
Date: Feb 13, 2012
Start Page: n/a
Section: FRONTPAGE
Text Word Count: 233
Abstract (Document Summary)
The district spells out several reasons for the consideration in its agenda packet, including "misconduct regarding the administration of the MEAP test," "improperly" pressuring or influencing staff and being "untruthful during the investigation" conducted by the district."
Crystalball
9:05 am on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Jordan, your comments have been well taken and I hope this information is helpful in filling in the blanks. By the way, she is now running a virtual school which she has app. 40 students. It is refered to as Hartland Virtual Academy. She is doing awesome and once again, her students appreciate and know how much she cares. Hartland Schools have failed to mention REALLY what her job is to the press. This is a new program was initiated this year and ...yes....Ms. Sahouri is running it!!
sassyme
8:39 am on Friday, April 26, 2013
She may be too embarrassed to show her face in Hartland schools if she does take $500,000 from the kids. So her virtual school is an alternate that works for HER.
hartland eagle
6:16 pm on Friday, April 26, 2013
Why would she be embarrassed? The board's behavior is what's going to cost the district money.
Crystalball
8:57 am on Saturday, April 27, 2013
Once again, showing your ignorance to facts. First off, why would she face any embarrassment when she has only served students of all ages in positive ways? Second, do you really think I virtual teacher would not have any FaceTime with students? Staff? Parents? Third, why would she settle for such a ridiculous amount? Next time you comment, at least try to do some research so you can report facts.
sassyme
10:33 am on Saturday, April 27, 2013
It's obvious you are a friend of hers due to the info you have, so that bias is duly noted.
First, for someone that claims to love her students, and for being an administrator she is fully aware of the impact her lawsuit has, financially, upon the district.
Second, I am taking on-line classes (that's what they are called in the real world) for an advanced degree and their are numerous instructors I have never met nor spoken with. Third, and as I predicted, this case will never go to court and is instead settling out of court. This is the nature of the beast of the legal system. Finally regarding the "ridiculous amount" the involved parties are settling for, the school is getting a deal. Between her wage and benefits as an administrator the school would be settling for about 4 year's worth of her employment. The downside is the school's insurance premiums are probably going to go up. Regarding her, the attorney will take 1/3, and she will continue to have this cloud over her head. She would have done better to quietly go away, and start anew elsewhere. But I would expect that in her settlement clause her lawyer will ask for a neutral reference for her when she does leave. All in all, the lawsuit just seems to be vindictive.
Lonnie Kazer
9:53 am on Friday, May 3, 2013
Wow. It seems like pytlowanyj has become a judge and jury of everyone that doesn't agree with her- even the students that post here.
stephanie pytlowanyj
11:09 am on Friday, May 3, 2013
LOL, looks like you have selective reading Lonnie.
Lonnie Kazer
9:58 am on Friday, May 3, 2013
Salem witch trial comes to mind. Kids can be sneaky- once upon a time I was a teen. Give her a break!
Anonymous Awesome person
6:13 pm on Friday, May 3, 2013
Let me tell you a little story... Once upon a time a young 11 year old girl had an assembly when she was in school... It talked about a girl who died in the columbine shooting and how she was asked if she believed in god... She said yes and was shot... So this girl decided she would try to make a difference in honor of Rachel joy Scott... She tried to talk about her principal being kind and loving and caring... She was then hurt when it still went on... Some people chose sides... The young girls or the other side... Somebody on the other side had said in a year this will all blow over... Yet, she is still writing?? Now in the present the youn girl is more mature and still cares for her once principal and defending her as well as making a difference... You see, there's this thing called a chain reaction... For example I might say mrs. Sahouri was very loving and kind and then somebody else might see an argument on another Article an make a difference too! Then I might invite everybody to come to the river community church theriveron59.com and visit!! Casual clothes and it is very laid back... PLEASE CONSIDER IT or just try 5 times!!! Now it's all up to you guys... What's the end of the story going to be??
stephanie pytlowanyj
9:31 pm on Friday, May 3, 2013
This post makes no sense; are you recruiting for your church? If so, that has nothing to do with anything.
Promoting prayers for all those that are involved does seem like a good idea but you certainly don't have to go to your church to pray.
Anonymous Awesome person
11:50 am on Saturday, May 4, 2013
No... I just thought that people who go on and on and who can even have the mind to think that it's okay and right to act so mean towards a woman need some guidance in their life... And I never said ANYTHING about praying??? You think that church is for praying? No... The river gives you guidance to live the life of god...
stephanie pytlowanyj
12:51 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Fact: I'm not the one going on and on and on and on; it's the supporters of this women that do. I choose to respond, if in the mood.
And yes, in my morals and values, church is one of the places where I pray.
Don't you think everyone involved in this needs prayer???
Anonymous Awesome person
1:10 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Uhhh... Fact: you are still writing??? This is called going on after a YEAR that you even said in a year this would all just be a blip...
Fact: You are arguing with a 12 year old girl...
Fact: this girl has a lot more in her than you think
Fact: everybody in the world needs prayer... Not just the people involved...
stephanie pytlowanyj
1:24 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Aw, just as I thought, AA person, is at times an adult posting.
Fact, I don't pretend to be anyone but myself.
Fact, it appears it's OK for the supporters to continue to post, and anyone else, it's not OK. It's called freedom of speech and both sides are entitled to post, as well as anyone on the fence.
Fact, sometimes litigation takes longer. Looks like this is going to take a bit longer due to mediation being rejected.
And yes, if you choose to nitpick, everyone can use prayer.
Finally, I don't think anything about your kid posting. Why are you making it personal? I'm not. I honestly don't care what you or any of the Sahouri's supporters think of me :)
Anonymous Awesome person
1:40 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Fact: it is called talking in second person... We learned about it in social studies this week thank you very much. I don't think Of you in a certain way! You're a person and I understand the freedom of speech just as well as right to bear arms and freedom of religion... It's an amendment and I get it!!! I hope you understand that I am just trying to settle this about Tracy sahouri not start a new topic... And so if you say the Tracy followers think its ok an it's not why is it ok for you to go on too?
Lonnie Kazer
2:37 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Anonymous awesome person- thank you for the Invitation! I hear great things about the River and know people that attend there. Thanks for the kindness and keep on shining HIS Light!
Anonymous Awesome person
6:28 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013
No problem!! Glad I could help!! It's basically my home... @lonnie