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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. "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. 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. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. 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.. 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. 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 . AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. 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. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. Learn more. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. Create one. 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. All Rights Reserved. Enter your email and password to access comments. Heres why. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. 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. 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. 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. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. No other details about the incident are available. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Crime and Public Safety | Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. 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. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. Heres why. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. That is it. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Crime and Public Safety | 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. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. 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. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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.. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. She has not been in our school.. 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. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. South Paris ME, 04281. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. 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. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Copyright 2022 WABI. "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. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 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. Login. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. In addition to teachers and ed techs . 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 There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. . 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. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. That's what the union representing teachers in the Oxford Hills School District said about Superintendent Monica Henson when they put it to a vote. Already registered? 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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 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. 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. "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. Related Articles Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. 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. 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 best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. The principal of Agnes Grey Elementary at the time, Beth Clarke, resigned in December after having been placed on administrative leave in September, and wrote a public letter outlining grievances against Henson. 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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. 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. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace 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. Crime and Public Safety | 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. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. ? 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. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Please wait for the page to reload. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. AS YOU SAID.. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. 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. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. Find Us . 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I will not stand for it and I believe most of the people here will join me we will form what we need to in terms of public oversight to ensure that our children, our students and our teachers are safe, respected and given the oversight they deserve, especially those with special needs.. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. Some directors questioned why appointing Bickford permanently should stray from the normal process of posting the position and convening a panel to interview candidates before hiring others. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. 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. (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. That forum has not yet been scheduled. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". You will receive an email to complete the registration. Use the form below to reset your password. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. Please wait for the page to reload. 776 talking about this. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. "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.". My blood is boiling. 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 . She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. Henson was placed on paid . We want our students and our staff safe. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. 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. 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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. 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.