Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Don't have a commenting profile? "It's a . Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. Success. 776 talking about this. 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.. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. 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 Oxford Hills School District agrees to pay $174K to resigning The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. "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. 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 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. Example video title will go here for this video. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. Use the form below to reset your password. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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.. Contributed. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. 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. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 27 . 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. 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 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." This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. 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 That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. The Oxford Hills School 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. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. South Paris ME, 04281. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. 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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Parents are still concerned. We want our students and our staff safe. On Monday, Jan. 31, interviews will be with John Bernia, Chief Academic Officer, Warren Consolidated Schools; and Ken Weaver, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Oxford Community Schools. Please wait for the page to reload. Already registered? Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. My blood is boiling. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . 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. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. Published: Apr. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. Id like to take a moment to clarify. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Login. 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. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. "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. 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. 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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. 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 . 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 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. All rights reserved. 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). Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Create one. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. Create one. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. ? Crime and Public Safety | Waterbury superintendent defends use of school resource officer School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each 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. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. 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. 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. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info 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. AND THE OHEA HAS NEGLECTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT OPPORTUNITY AND INSTEAD TRY TO HIJACK THE PUBLIC NARRATIVE WITH A COLLTIECON OF FALSEHOODS AND VAGUE EXPRESSIONS OF "CONCERN" THAT IS EASILY DISPROVABLE." 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. Sign up and stay in the know with weekday news updates in your inbox at 1 p.m. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, The position was eliminated and the district split the duties, Small crowd gathers in South Paris to request MSAD 17 superintendent resign, MSAD 17 board of directors puts superintendent on administrative leave, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. Collins was lone Republican to oppose confirmation of Texas judge wholl rule on abortion pill, Man accused of stealing pot, starting fight at Auburn cannabis store, Auburn plans to cut two dozen positions from proposed school budget. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. As for the allegation of inappropriately touching an elementary school student in September, Dr. Henson wrote that the parents of the student saw no issue with the way the situation was handled. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Log in to join the discussion. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. According to the Maine Department of Education,face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting AS YOU SAID.. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. 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. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. 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 has not been in our school.. 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 District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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 AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. 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. 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. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. 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. Copyright 2022 WMTW. . Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. "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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. "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. 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