Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Create one. 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. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. 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. ? 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. 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. All rights reserved. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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 full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. 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. 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. 776 talking about this. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace 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 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 . Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. 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. 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. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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.. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. The same limitations were applied to parents. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. That forum has not yet been scheduled. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. OVER 90% OF TEACHERS UNION MEMBERS GAVE HER A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A PRIVATE VOTE, THE RESULTS OF WHICH THEY BROUGHT TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS LAST NIGHT. 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. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. Success. Published: Apr. 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. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. 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. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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 school board accepts superintendent's resignation Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson was put on administrative leave in January after allegations that she forcibly restrained an. 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. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Crime and Public Safety | All Rights Reserved. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Related Articles Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. 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. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. All rights reserved. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. 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. 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. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. 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. 27 . 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. 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. My blood is boiling. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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). We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. Superintendent of Schools. Addressing the situation with Chickering, Henson wrote in her statement that while she had removed a stipended coaching assignment from the teacher she had not not terminated him. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. 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. "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 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 Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. 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. 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. Login. 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. 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. Log in to join the discussion. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. "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. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Success. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. 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 was. Id like to take a moment to clarify. 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. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. 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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. Boyd said his groups goal regarding grievances is to resolve them well before it gets to an official process, and has successfully avoided it in the recent past. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. 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. Find Us . I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Crime and Public Safety | Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Crime and Public Safety | 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. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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. Morgan got her local legislator and the Maine Department of education involved, and her granddaughter was allowed back in school the following week with a facemask after a note from her doctor. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Nicole Carter. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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.. Don't have a commenting profile? In addition to teachers and ed techs . Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. 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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME 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 second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. 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. 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. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. 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. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. "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." 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. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district.Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. 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. Parents of Oxford Hills Middle School students on the basketball team also addressed the board about their coachs dismissal last year over an incident involving players from a visiting team. Create one. 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. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. (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. "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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Login. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. South Paris ME, 04281. Parents are still concerned. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Learn more. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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.