Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. All Rights Reserved. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 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. 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.. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. Copyright 2022 WMTW. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Monica Henson had been on leave. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. 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. The Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 and has benefited from Three donations of $1,000,000 each from Robert and Sandra Bahre. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Baumgardner has led a group of Oxford Hills residents to have Chickering reinstated since he was fired as coach and implored board members and the administration to allow him to return for at least the last few games of the year. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. People are feeling afraid. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Jeni Jordan, an Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teacher and president of the Oxford Hills Education Association, presented the board with a list of 27 complaints compiled by educators over the Hensons conduct. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. (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. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Nicole Carter. She was. AND AGN,O TAI OUR TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ASKED OR QUESTIONED" "I'M UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE WHE ERA TEACHERS' UNION IS ASKED TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. 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. 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. 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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). "It's a . Create one. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. The reaction of the childs parents contrasts with Dr. Hensons statement last week defending herself against the list of complaints given to the board against her. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. Create one. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September 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. Crime and Public Safety | Contributed. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. That review recently came to an end. Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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 . Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Henson was placed on paid . Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. If you are concerned about a child being neglected or abused, call Maines 24-hour hotline at 800-452-1999 or 711 to speak with a child protective specialist. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. It should not be allowed at all. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Learn more. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WABI-TV 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. "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. 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. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson instituted the bounty program, hoping to address what she called a "bullying culture" in the district, especially in the middle and high schools. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. The same limitations were applied to parents. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. NORWAY, Maine (WMTW) -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 first year on the job. "That is just a statement letting the school board know that the staff who voted don't feel that the leadership of Dr. Henson is effective for our school system," Jen Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Union, said. Trampled. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. Crime and Public Safety | 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. There are a number of reasons staff members chose to take a vote, including a situation where the superintendent allegedly used force against a student. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. The position of assistant superintendent was eliminated when Patrick Hartnett left in October2021 to become an assistant professor at the University of Southern Maines School of Education and Human Development. Success. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. 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. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Henson provided a lengthy written statement early Wednesday to the Advertiser Democrat, noting that a no-confidence vote is a sign that an administrator is doing the work they were hired to do. If someone uses fear and intimidation, if someone leaves outside of the bargaining agreement during the school year because of fear and anxiety, you dont file a grievance. Multiple People Rescued From Burning Indianapolis Building, Mistrial Declared in Tucson for Man Charged in Girl's Death, Wisconsin Substance Center Owes $2m in Medicaid Fraud Case. Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info PARIS, Maine No confidence. That is it. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Notably, 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that.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. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 27 . The childs parents, Eric Bennett and Ashley Rowe, did not learn the full details of the incident until reading it in the press last week. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Staff have claimed that previously authorized time off has been revoked and that requests for leave are inconsistently approved, even when doctors notes are provided. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. "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. 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. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Oxford Hills School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 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. Staff | MSAD 17 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 first year on the job. The incident was made public Jan. 18 when the Oxford Hills Education Association presented the board with a list of 27 concerns about her leadership and announced members had taken a vote of no confidence in her. 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 There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Oxford Hills School District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude 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. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. 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. 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.. "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. Alexa Baumgardner and Tobi Worden spoke in defense of coach and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teacher Riley Chickering, both fighting back tears at times as they spoke of their sons pain at losing their mentor with no explanation. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. Investigations open into Oxford Hills superintendent accused of You will receive an email to complete the registration. 776 talking about this. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. We want our students and our staff safe. One parent told the Advertiser Democrat that Clarke resigned after taking concerns to the board about a day when Henson acted as the substitute principal at the school when she had a medical appointment. All rights reserved. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Henson, who was hired in July 2021, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Oxford County Sheriffs Office after allegations that she improperly physically restrained a child at Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris last September. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. Parents are still concerned. 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. Already registered? We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. On Monday, Jan. 31, interviews will be with John Bernia, Chief Academic Officer, Warren Consolidated Schools; and Ken Weaver, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Oxford Community Schools. 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. ? Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Vicki Morgan, grandmother and guardian of the second child, had addressed the board at a meeting several months ago and spoke again Tuesday night to reiterate that her childs rights were being violated daily. Oxford Hills Education Association president Jen Jordan told WMTW News 8 that the complaints stemmed from a private vote amongst the associations members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Hensons leadership. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". While neither woman was allowed to refer to specific situations affecting their children during the meeting, Matolcsy had previously written on social media that she had been given two different reasons for her childs injury by different staff members and was denied a request for a third-party service provider to observe her child in his classroom environment, a practice that had been allowed in the past. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. . 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. We want our students and our staff safe.
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