All rights reserved. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. Henson was placed on paid . The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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 accepts superintendent's resignation Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson was put on administrative leave in January after allegations that she forcibly restrained an. 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 . Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. 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. Create one. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. 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. 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 . All rights reserved. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. 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. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. Heres why. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. 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. 776 talking about this. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. All rights reserved. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. 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. "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.". 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." Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. "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. Crime and Public Safety | There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. Log in to join the discussion. In addition to teachers and ed techs . The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Please wait for the page to reload. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Calls may be made anonymously. Please wait for the page to reload. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. "It's a . It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Heres why. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. That is it. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. "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. 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 Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. 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. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Contributed. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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). 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. PARIS Parents, educators and community members descended on Oxford Hills School District directors meeting Tuesday night to voice serious concerns with Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. "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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. You will receive an email to complete the registration. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. 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. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. Trampled. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. Login. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Related Articles 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. 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. Crime and Public Safety | "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. 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. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 and has benefited from Three donations of $1,000,000 each from Robert and Sandra Bahre. 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. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public, Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities, Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack, West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana, Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant, Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace, Photo gallery from the Division 1 competitive cheer finals at Mt. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of 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, Superintendent Monica Henson responds to SAD 17 complaints, Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Forty years in, Paris Cape Historical Society keeps collecting history, More than 50,000 acres in Maine to be conserved, 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. She was. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. 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. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. The Oxford Hills School District. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. 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. Published: Apr. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. 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. 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. Success. 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. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. Find Us . THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. 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.. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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 complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Use the form below to reset your password. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. 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. Learn more. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 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.. Crime and Public Safety | In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. 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.
Cardiff University Masters Dissertation Guidelines,
Articles O
