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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. 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. Staff have claimed that previously authorized time off has been revoked and that requests for leave are inconsistently approved, even when doctors notes are provided. Log in to join the discussion. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. 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. 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. 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 Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. Henson was placed on paid . Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. Parents are still concerned. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities AS YOU SAID.. 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 same limitations were applied to parents. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. "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.The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Id like to take a moment to clarify. Superintendent of Schools. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Henson's leadership in her first six. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. 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. Copyright 2022 WMTW. Please wait for the page to reload. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. PARIS, Maine No confidence. 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. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. Success. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Contributed. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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. "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. It has come to our attention that there is perception that because no grievances have been filed there is no validity to complaints, Boyd said. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. "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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. On Monday . Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. 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. Copyright 2022 WABI. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. That's what the union representing teachers in the Oxford Hills School District said about Superintendent Monica Henson when they put it to a vote. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Success. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. 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.. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. Related Articles Use the form below to reset your password. She instead outlined the ways in which the school had been failing under Clarkes leadership, claiming that an assistant administrator had ranked Clarke as the worst principal in the district. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. Crime and Public Safety | She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. 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 You will receive an email to complete the registration. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Enter your email and password to access comments. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. All rights reserved. (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. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . 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. Already have a commenting profile? 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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. 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. South Paris ME, 04281. All rights reserved. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. 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. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. 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. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. Create one. Crime and Public Safety | Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson's resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. 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 Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Learn more. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. 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. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. 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). 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. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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. 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 . 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. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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 . "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. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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.