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 copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation and promise to file no claims against the district. 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 . To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Superintendent of Schools. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. At an earlier press conference, Agnes Gray employee Brenda Parent, who had been substitute teaching on the day and witnessed the incident, said she wrote a letter to the board detailing what had happened, but it was ignored. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Crime and Public Safety | 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. Henson was placed on paid . The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.
Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Success. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. "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. 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. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. We want our students and our staff safe. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. 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. 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. 232 Main Street. Published: Apr. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "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. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. Heres why. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE.
Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. 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. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. 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. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom.
It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and 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.
Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting 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. In her rebuttal statement, Henson acknowledged using restraint on one child, adding there had been no injury to them and that the parent of the student made no objection in subsequent communications with her. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes..
Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI Don't have a commenting profile? While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. 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.
Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 Heres why. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. 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. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. ?
Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW Login. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name.
Staff | MSAD 17 However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Success. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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.
Waterbury superintendent defends use of school resource officer If you are concerned about a child being . All rights reserved. We want our students and our staff safe. Already registered?
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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. That review recently came to an end. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. 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 concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Example video title will go here for this video. The Oxford Hills School District. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. 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. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. "It's a . So far, no criminal charges have been filed. 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 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.
Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. One parent told the Advertiser Democrat that Clarke resigned after taking concerns to the board about a day when Henson acted as the substitute principal at the school when she had a medical appointment. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. Calls may be made anonymously. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat.
Oxford Hills School District agrees to pay $174K to resigning Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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.
Oxford Hills superintendent on paid leave following student assault That forum has not yet been scheduled. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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.. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. 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. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name.
Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. "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. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021.
Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 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. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. 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 The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Copyright 2022 WABI. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. Find Us . Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here.
Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY.
Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV 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. 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. 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.
Oxford Hills School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support.
For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Crime and Public Safety | 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 BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS.