PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Id like to take a moment to clarify. Published: Apr. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. 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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . ?27 COMPLAINTS WERE BROUGHT TO THEOA BRD LT AS NIGHT AT A MEETING, BUT THE MOST SERIOUS COMPLAINT INVOLVED AN INCIDENT AT AGNES GRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER WHEN DR. HENSON ALLEGEDLY P UT HER HANDS ON A STUDENT AGGRESSIVELY, SOMETHING THE TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT SAYS HAS BEEN LARGELY IGNORED TO THIS POINT. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Learn more. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. Login. 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. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. Please wait for the page to reload. If you are concerned about a child being . Nicole Carter. Already registered? They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. ? Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Log in to join the discussion. On Monday . 776 talking about this. All rights reserved. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. 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. 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.. All Rights Reserved. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Don't have a commenting profile? That review recently came to an end. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 "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. 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 So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Please wait for the page to reload. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - First-year Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson received criticism at a school board meeting Monday night for allegedly grabbing an elementary student by two arms in September, along with creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. Henson 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. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. 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 OHEA was invited to submit a quarterly letter to the Board outlining how they perceive things are going with the new administration, with the express purpose that the letters would be used as part of my performance evaluation by the Board. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. AS YOU SAID.. 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. 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. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. We want our students and our staff safe. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. . "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. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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. Crime and Public Safety | 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. (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. Parents are still concerned. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Calls may be made anonymously. We want our students and our staff safe. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities In addition to teachers and ed techs . Learn more. 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. Heres why. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. Use the form below to reset your password. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. 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. Login. 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500.The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation and promise to file no claims against the district. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson's resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. Related Articles She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. The same limitations were applied to parents. 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 . However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. 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. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. 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. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan 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. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. 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. 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 According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Copyright 2022 WABI. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. 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. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. 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 get one, go to the subscriptions page. "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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. 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. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Portland bus stop wins national competition after contested votes thrown out, Easter Egg Roll returns after 2-year COVID-induced hiatus, Residents in one western Maine town look to curb Poland Springs appetite for water, Theres no feeling like it: Last-second layup gives Brewer boys basketball its 1st state championship, Couples recreation business cultivates 'slice of heaven' in Maine highlands, Fine-dining restaurant in northern Maine adds bed and breakfast, 2 teenagers charged after a man in Calais was shot on a walking trail, Maine photographer snaps shots of bobcat thats blind in one eye, Nor'easter could dump a foot of snow on parts of Maine Saturday, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. My blood is boiling. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. 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. 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. 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 official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Copyright 2022 WMTW. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. 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. 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. 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. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. "It's a . Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. "Every time he smiles, and I see the hole in his face, I'm reminded that the oversight in this district isn't where it needs to be," said Aranka Matolcsy of her 10-year-old son. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. All rights reserved. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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). Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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. 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. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. "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. We want our students and our staff safe. "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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his.
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