oxford hills superintendent

Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Already have a commenting profile? Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. Related Articles 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. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. "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. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. 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. 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. "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. Please wait for the page to reload. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. Success. 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.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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns After just six months on the job, Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on administrative leave Jan. 26, following. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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. 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. 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. During directors comments, Bob Jewell of Paris said a vote of no confidence against an administrator hired by the board, just six months after starting, was actually a no confidence vote against the board. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. You will receive an email to complete the registration. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Crime and Public Safety | The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. "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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. 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. If you are concerned about a child being . Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The same limitations were applied to parents. Already have a commenting profile? The Oxford Hills School District, in partnership with parents and communities, engages and supports all students in diverse and challenging learning opportunities to prepare them to graduate as healthy, responsible and productive citizens, ready to succeed in our global societies. Crime and Public Safety | The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. "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. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Login. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. "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. 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. 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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Already registered? Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Already registered? . 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. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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 copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Pleasant's McGuirk Arena, Michigan State Police: Man dies by suicide after several-hour standoff with police, Residents object to proposed I-75 ramp removal, Rochester ekes out narrow win over Adams, Stoney Creek to claim first cheer title since 2017, Storm could bring 6-10 inches of heavy snow, Judge: Oxford school employees shielded from lawsuit alleging negligence ahead of deadly mass shooting, Not again. Login. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. 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. "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. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. 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 . Please wait for the page to reload. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Nicole Carter. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. Copyright 2022 WABI. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, Superintendent Monica Henson responds to SAD 17 complaints, Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Forty years in, Paris Cape Historical Society keeps collecting history, More than 50,000 acres in Maine to be conserved, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. Collins was lone Republican to oppose confirmation of Texas judge wholl rule on abortion pill. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. "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. 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. "It's a . Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. Clarke had noted in her letter that Henson forbid her from having contact with any of the students Henson had disciplined while at the school. 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. She said educators have expressed concern about the superintendent taking and posting pictures of students and staff on her personal social media accounts without their consent. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. 232 Main Street. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Use the form below to reset your password. You will receive an email to complete the registration. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Copyright 2022 WMTW. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. South Paris ME, 04281. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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 associations members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Hensons leadership. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. All rights reserved. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Id like to take a moment to clarify. 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. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. It has come to our attention that there is perception that because no grievances have been filed there is no validity to complaints, Boyd said. Given the number of issues that are in corrective action at Agnes Gray that I do not want to present in public session, Henson explained, I am of the firm opinion that the best course is not to go through a shuffle of going through a process and potentially ending up with another principal. 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." ? The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Don't have a commenting profile? by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Learn more. 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. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. "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. (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. And theres some concern about how chain of command is being portrayed in how it should be used, and then how it is being used. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. 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. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Theres a lot of fear of job termination, theres a lot of feeling like were being watched, that somebody is just waiting for us to mess up so we can be reprimanded. PARIS Parents, educators and community members descended on Oxford Hills School District directors meeting Tuesday night to voice serious concerns with Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Monica Henson, the former Oxford Hills School District superintendent, was filling in as principal at Agnes Gray Elementary and is accused of grabbing a student by the arm and pulling him into an . She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. "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.". 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. 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 biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. That review recently came to an end. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. Monica Henson had been on leave. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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.. 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. One child was recently injured while in school. 776 talking about this. She has not been in our school.. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. Parents are still concerned. 27 . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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..

Mothers Day Welcome Poem For Church, Articles O