Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. At an earlier press conference, Agnes Gray employee Brenda Parent, who had been substitute teaching on the day and witnessed the incident, said she wrote a letter to the board detailing what had happened, but it was ignored. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - Oxford Hills Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the district board of directors into a September. In her rebuttal statement, Henson acknowledged using restraint on one child, adding there had been no injury to them and that the parent of the student made no objection in subsequent communications with her. Interviews with the five candidates for superintendent of the Oxford Community Schools will be held this week at three special Board of Education meetings that are open to the public. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson's resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. 27 . On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. We want our students and our staff safe. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. All rights reserved. Log in to join the discussion. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. She instead outlined the ways in which the school had been failing under Clarkes leadership, claiming that an assistant administrator had ranked Clarke as the worst principal in the district. One child was recently injured while in school. "THE PARENT DID NOT OBJECT TO MY HANDLING OF THE INCIDENT, COMMUNICATED WITH ME FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS,ND A HAS FILED NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE BOARD OR EXPRESSED ANY FURTH ER CONCERN SINCE THE NOTIFICATION FROM ME." You will receive an email to complete the registration. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. She was. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. Trampled. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. They also claimed that the mandatory masking standards are not consistently followed and there is little concern about transmission rates of COVID-19, which have recently spiked. In a statement where she forcefully denied the accusations against her, Dr. Henson asked why the teachers had not gone to the board before Tuesday. Im unaware of any other school system in the state where a teachers union is asked to participate directly in the evaluation of the superintendent of schools, Dr. Henson wrote. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. Vicki Morgan said her 10-year-old granddaughter has an anxiety disorder and a learning disability, and her doctor advises she doesn't wear a face mask, and wear a face shield instead. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - First-year Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson received criticism at a school board meeting Monday night for allegedly grabbing an elementary student by two arms in September, along with creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. Henson is accused of grabbing a student by the arm and pulling him into an office while she was filling in as principal at Agnes Gray Elementary in September. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Henson's leadership in her first six. SOUTH PARIS (WGME) - The controversial superintendent of Oxford Hills schools, Monica Henson, has been put on paid administrative leave while allegations of her assaulting a child are investigated. OVER 90% OF TEACHERS UNION MEMBERS GAVE HER A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A PRIVATE VOTE, THE RESULTS OF WHICH THEY BROUGHT TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS LAST NIGHT. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 200,000 lose power as snowstorm blankets Detroit region, Catholic priest Joseph 'Father Jack' Baker sentenced for child rape, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. "The parent did not object to my handling of the incident, communicated with me for the next couple of days, and has filed no complaints with the Board or expressed any further concern since the notification from me," Dr. Henson wrote. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. The students parents learned the full details of the incident after the Jan. 18 school board meeting and filed a complaint against Henson with the Sheriffs Office on Jan. 21. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation 27 complaints were levied against Dr. Monica Henson, including an allegation that she aggressively touched a. All rights reserved. ? PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. No other details about the incident are available. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Jordan read through the list of concerns, starting with allegations that the superintendent put her hands on a student while filling in at an elementary school, that staff have felt they are under investigation, that personal information has been shared by the superintendent and that discipline of staff has been inconsistent and often unfair. "As for the allegation of inappropriately touching an elementary school student in September, Dr. Henson wrote that the parent's of the student saw no issue with the way the situation was handled. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday.Oxford Hills Education Association president Jen Jordan told WMTW News 8 that the complaints stemmed from a private vote amongst the association's members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Henson's leadership. Published: Apr. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. Heres why. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Login. Crime and Public Safety | NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. Crime and Public Safety | The superintendent of the Oxford Hills School Department is being investigated by state and county officials after allegations were made that she inappropriately physically restrained a child. AND THE OHEA HAS NEGLECTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT OPPORTUNITY AND INSTEAD TRY TO HIJACK THE PUBLIC NARRATIVE WITH A COLLTIECON OF FALSEHOODS AND VAGUE EXPRESSIONS OF "CONCERN" THAT IS EASILY DISPROVABLE." Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Henson was placed on paid . ACCORDING TO THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT WE OBTAINED.. HENSON AGREES THAT SHE WILL COOPERATE AND MAKE HERSELF AVAILABLE SHOULD ANY LEGAL CLAIM BE FILED AGAINST THE DISTRI. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. It should not be allowed at all. Learn more. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. The position was eliminated and the district split the duties between a chief operating officer to oversee technology, facilities, athletics and transportation, and a chief financial officer to lead the business office. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Only a dozen people spoke during the public comment session, but the meeting room at the districts headquarters on Main Street was packed with at least 50 employees and community members stuck in the hallway outside. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. School Administrative District 17 Superintendent Monica Henson, standing at left, and school board Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris, standing at right, listen Tuesday night to a district resident asking about rules for public comments during the board meeting in Paris. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. In the Damariscotta and Oxford Hills school systems, Drummond Woodsum has worked with left-wing school board members to write and defend the districts' gender identity policies. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. I told the board that they should be ashamed of themselves that they had this reported by three different people, and they pushed it under the rug until the media got involved.. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. As for the allegation of inappropriately touching an elementary school student in September, Dr. Henson wrote that the parents of the student saw no issue with the way the situation was handled. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. South Paris ME, 04281. Use the form below to reset your password. (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); The list also included that employees are concerned with the superintendents use of professional time, of statements she has made to local and national media, and of inappropriate tone and intimidating language expressed in emails to employees. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. The parent, Aranka Matolcsy of South Paris, made a plea to directors to listen carefully to all the statements over the course of the meeting and to take them very seriously. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. In her resignation letter, Henson wrote I am proud of the changes I was able to implement and the management changes I made., Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). His motion was seconded and approved by the board. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. Success. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting, Monica Henson is accused of forcefully grabbing an elementary school student by both arms in September, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Weekend snowfall means business at Hermon Mountain Ski Area, Authorities searching for missing Greene man, Last round of snow moves in for today, sunshine returns on Sunday. All rights reserved. Contributed. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. First-year Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson received criticism at a school board meeting Monday night for allegedly grabbing an elementary student by two arms in September, along with . Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. Superintendent Henson told NEWS CENTER Maine she has received a lot of support from parents and staff during this process, and of the people who have reached out to her, only one has been negative. Boyd said his groups goal regarding grievances is to resolve them well before it gets to an official process, and has successfully avoided it in the recent past. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Nicole Carter. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Already have a commenting profile? On Tuesday, Feb. 1, interviews are set with Jill Lemond, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Oxford Community Schools; and David Pass, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Oxford Community Schools. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. She termed Boyds reference at the meeting to breaking the law as categorically false and went on to write that Clarke had falsely categorized an incident in the cafeteria. NORWAY, Maine The superintendent of the Oxford Hills school district was accused Tuesday night of creating a culture of fear and intimidation amongst students and teachers alike in her. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. We want our students and our staff safe. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Weekend snowfall means business at Hermon Mountain Ski Area, Authorities searching for missing Greene man, Last round of snow moves in for today, sunshine returns on Sunday. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Success. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Calls may be made anonymously. All this uproar from the Oxford Hills Education Association is puzzling, given that they have made no previous expression of concern to the School Board using the channels that are available to any staff, Henson wrote. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. People are feeling afraid. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Addressing the situation with Chickering, Henson wrote in her statement that while she had removed a stipended coaching assignment from the teacher she had not not terminated him. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. Firefighters used ladders to rescue at least five people from a burning Indianapolis apartment building where others reportedly jumped from third-floor windows to escape the smoke and flames, A mistrial was declared after a jury in southern Arizona was unable to reach a verdict on a murder charge against a man accused of killing a 6-year-old girl, A now-shuttered Wisconsin substance abuse center and its CEO owe the government more than $2 million in a Medicaid fraud case. Crime and Public Safety | The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. "The parent did not object to my handling of the incident, communicated with me for the next couple of days, and has filed no complaints with the Board or expressed any further concern since the notification from me," Dr. Henson wrote.The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. And the OHEA has neglected to take advantage of that opportunity and instead try to hijack the public narrative with a collection of falsehoods and vague expressions of concern that is easily disprovable.. That is it. Henson was filling in for the principal for a day at the time of that incident, which resulted in investigations by the Oxford County Sheriffs Department and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, as well as an internal investigation by the school department. Parents are still concerned. Already have a commenting profile? "And the OHEA has neglected to take advantage of that opportunity and instead try to hijack the public narrative with a collection of falsehoods and vague expressions of 'concern' that is easily disprovable. REGION Educators in Oxford Hills have pulled out all the stops to pack as many books as possible into this week's annual Read Across America event. WEST PARIS, Maine An investigation into allegations against the Oxford Hills superintendent has been opened by the Oxford County Sheriffs Office and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, according to the Maine Education Association. Other accusations include sharing inappropriate images of alcohol and weapons to district employees, doling out inconsistent discipline to staff, and creating a fearful environment for students with a bounty system rewarding students with money for turning in other students for inappropriate social media posts. And there's some concern about how chain of command is being portrayed in how it should be used, and then how it is being used. "It's a . So far, no criminal charges have been filed. "There's a lot of fear of job termination, there's a lot of feeling like we're being watched, that somebody is just waiting for us to mess up so we can be reprimanded. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500.The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation and promise to file no claims against the district. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. Please wait for the page to reload. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please wait for the page to reload. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Bangor school system continues mentor program during challenging COVID-19 school year, 3 things to know from Maine's COVID briefing: omicron infections affecting schools, hospitals & testing, Lewiston requests state waive minimum requirement for school days due to COVID challenges. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave.. "Every time he smiles, and I see the hole in his face, I'm reminded that the oversight in this district isn't where it needs to be," said Aranka Matolcsy of her 10-year-old son. Portland bus stop wins national competition after contested votes thrown out, Easter Egg Roll returns after 2-year COVID-induced hiatus, Residents in one western Maine town look to curb Poland Springs appetite for water, Theres no feeling like it: Last-second layup gives Brewer boys basketball its 1st state championship, Couples recreation business cultivates 'slice of heaven' in Maine highlands, Fine-dining restaurant in northern Maine adds bed and breakfast, 2 teenagers charged after a man in Calais was shot on a walking trail, Maine photographer snaps shots of bobcat thats blind in one eye, Nor'easter could dump a foot of snow on parts of Maine Saturday, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. Members asked if we would allow a number of concerns during the forum regarding the leadership of Dr. Monica Henson we had an unprecedented number of staff show up for that meeting. WMTW News 8 received pictures of the schools code of conduct, which teachers say was given to parents to sign during the first week of school as part of the student handbook. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 27 complaints were levied against Dr. Monica Henson, including an allegation that she aggressively touched a distressed elementary school student in September, while filling in as principal, after an incident involving that student.
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