Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Parents are still concerned. South Paris ME, 04281. 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. 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. 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. Notably, the parent did not object to my handling of the incident, communicated with me for the next couple of days, and has filed no complaints with the Board or expressed any further concern since the notification from me, Dr. Henson wrote. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. 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. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Please wait for the page to reload. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. 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 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. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. Members asked if we would allow a number of concerns during the forum regarding the leadership of Dr. Monica Henson we had an unprecedented number of staff show up for that meeting. 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 Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. 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. Don't have a commenting profile? Log in to join the discussion. The same limitations were applied to parents. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. In addition to teachers and ed techs . In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Log in to join the discussion. 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. Contributed. 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. 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 . All Rights Reserved. AND AGN,O TAI OUR TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ASKED OR QUESTIONED" "I'M UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE WHE ERA TEACHERS' UNION IS ASKED TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. On Monday . I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. 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. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack "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. Henson was placed on paid . 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 parent's of the student saw no issue with the way the situation was handled. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. 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. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. Monica Henson had been on leave. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. 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. 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. 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. (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. One child was recently injured while in school. PARIS, Maine No confidence. 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.. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. "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. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. 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. The incident was made public Jan. 18 when the Oxford Hills Education Association presented the board with a list of 27 concerns about her leadership and announced members had taken a vote of no confidence in her. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Id like to take a moment to clarify. 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. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Success. Please wait for the page to reload. We want our students and our staff safe. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Find Us . Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. Trampled. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. That is it. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Calls may be made anonymously. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. Learn more. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. 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. 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. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. 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.. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. 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. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Published: Apr. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Create one. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. "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. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 27 . While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. 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. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. Pleasant's McGuirk Arena, Michigan State Police: Man dies by suicide after several-hour standoff with police, Residents object to proposed I-75 ramp removal, Rochester ekes out narrow win over Adams, Stoney Creek to claim first cheer title since 2017, Storm could bring 6-10 inches of heavy snow, Judge: Oxford school employees shielded from lawsuit alleging negligence ahead of deadly mass shooting, Not again. NORWAY, Maine The superintendent of the Oxford Hills school district was accused Tuesday night of creating a culture of fear and intimidation amongst students and teachers alike in her. Create one. Heres why. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. My blood is boiling. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. 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. Staff have claimed that previously authorized time off has been revoked and that requests for leave are inconsistently approved, even when doctors notes are provided. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. It should not be allowed at all. AS YOU SAID.. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. ?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. 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. Related Articles Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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. Addressing the situation with Chickering, Henson wrote in her statement that while she had removed a stipended coaching assignment from the teacher she had not not terminated him. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. She has not been in our school.. "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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