There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. You will receive an email to complete the registration. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. ?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. AS YOU SAID.. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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 District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 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. "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. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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. 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. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Jeni Jordan, an Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teacher and president of the Oxford Hills Education Association, presented the board with a list of 27 complaints compiled by educators over the Hensons conduct. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Some directors questioned why appointing Bickford permanently should stray from the normal process of posting the position and convening a panel to interview candidates before hiring others. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. "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 names Heather Manchester as acting Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. "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 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 School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. WMTW News 8 received pictures of the schools code of conduct, which teachers say was given to parents to sign during the first week of school as part of the student handbook. Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation 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. 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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. They also claimed that the mandatory masking standards are not consistently followed and there is little concern about transmission rates of COVID-19, which have recently spiked. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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, 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. 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. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Use the form below to reset your password. Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a Learn more. 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. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. "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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Already registered? Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. 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. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Already registered? One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. Use the form below to reset your password. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. Related Articles Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. MSAD 17 | Home Copyright 2022 WABI. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Log in to join the discussion. On Monday . Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Crime and Public Safety | Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Create one. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Published: Apr. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. 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. 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. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and 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. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. 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." "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. 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 official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. We want our students and our staff safe. (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. Heres why. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. 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. 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. "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.". 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Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . ? OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. 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. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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 Nicole Carter. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. The position was eliminated and the district split the duties between a chief operating officer to oversee technology, facilities, athletics and transportation, and a chief financial officer to lead the business office. Please wait for the page to reload. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. PARIS Directors of Maine School Administrative District 17 unanimously appointed Chief Curriculum Officer Heather Manchester as interim superintendent Monday, five days after Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on paid administrative leave. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Log in to join the discussion. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WMTW "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. That is it. DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining Enter your email and password to access comments. "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. 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. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. 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. Login. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. 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. 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. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. Staff | MSAD 17 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. It should not be allowed at all. 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. 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. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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.