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. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. Create one. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. 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. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. Crime and Public Safety | 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. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Don't have a commenting profile? "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. 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. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Enter your email and password to access comments. "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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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.. He extended his stay following the Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School to give the Board more time to deal with the selection process after working to get Oxford High School reopened. 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. 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. 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. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 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. Published: Apr. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Superintendent of Schools (207) 743-8972 h.manchester@msad17.org Steve Ciembroniewicz Assistant Superintendent (207) 743-8972 s.ciembroniewicz@msad17.org Jan Neureuther Chief Student Services Officer (207) 743-8972 j.neureuther@msad17.org Brandy Moore Special Education Assistant Director 207-743-8972 b.moore@msad17.org Debra Hertell 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. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. 232 Main Street. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. 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. South Paris ME, 04281. Superintendent of Schools. That is it. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 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. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. 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. 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. 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. She has not been in our school.. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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. 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. 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. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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). The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. . All rights reserved. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. Oxford Hills School Board Temporarily Blocks Gender Schools Details: WebThe policy fight in the Oxford Hills School System is playing out in every Maine school district, as activists both on the Maine Department of Education payroll and at non-profit partner organizations oxford hills superintendent office Verified 6 days ago The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. Sign up and stay in the know with weekday news updates in your inbox at 1 p.m. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting 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, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, The position was eliminated and the district split the duties, Small crowd gathers in South Paris to request MSAD 17 superintendent resign, MSAD 17 board of directors puts superintendent on administrative leave, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, 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, Man accused of stealing pot, starting fight at Auburn cannabis store, Auburn plans to cut two dozen positions from proposed school budget. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. 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. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. 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. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. 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. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. Login. 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. 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 . Find Us . When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. Already have a commenting profile? 776 talking about this. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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. Copyright 2022 WMTW. 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. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Copyright 2022 WABI. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. PARIS Directors of Maine School Administrative District 17 unanimously appointed Chief Curriculum Officer Heather Manchester as interim superintendent Monday, five days after Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on paid administrative leave. 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 . The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. Login. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Log in to join the discussion. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. 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 . 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. 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. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Heres why. 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. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. 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. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. All rights reserved. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. 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. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. "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." Use the form below to reset your password. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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. 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. "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. If you are concerned about a child being . The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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.. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. 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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. Henson was placed on paid . Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public, Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities, Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack, West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana, Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant, Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace, Photo gallery from the Division 1 competitive cheer finals at Mt. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat file photo, We knew we had to put someone in front of the staff who was comfortable and had a running knowledge of our district, Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris said after the afternoon emergency board meeting. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. "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. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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 full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. 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. Learn more. 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. Director William Rolfe of West Paris said it was his preference and in the best interest of the West Paris community to table discussion of a permanent hire until the board has a chance to review the issues at the school in executive session. That review recently came to an end. ? And documents obtained by the Maine Wire show how the firm has coached Maine school boards on how to limit parental input when dealing with these controversial topics. Crime and Public Safety | The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. 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. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. 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.
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