Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. My blood is boiling. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. Create one. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. She said educators have expressed concern about the superintendent taking and posting pictures of students and staff on her personal social media accounts without their consent. Learn more. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. "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. Baumgardner has led a group of Oxford Hills residents to have Chickering reinstated since he was fired as coach and implored board members and the administration to allow him to return for at least the last few games of the year. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. 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 While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. 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 . There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. 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. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. It should not be allowed at all. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. The students parents learned the full details of the incident after the Jan. 18 school board meeting and filed a complaint against Henson with the Sheriffs Office on Jan. 21. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Trampled. 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.. 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. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. All Rights Reserved. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. "THE PARENT DID NOT OBJECT TO MY HANDLING OF THE INCIDENT, COMMUNICATED WITH ME FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS,ND A HAS FILED NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE BOARD OR EXPRESSED ANY FURTH ER CONCERN SINCE THE NOTIFICATION FROM ME." by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. That is it. 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 WEST PARIS, Maine An investigation into allegations against the Oxford Hills superintendent has been opened by the Oxford County Sheriffs Office and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, according to the Maine Education Association. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. 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. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant All rights reserved. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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 . Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 "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. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. "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.". Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. 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. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Login. Nicole Carter. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. Crime and Public Safety | Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Please wait for the page to reload. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. "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. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. "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. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. AS YOU SAID.. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. She has not been in our school.. Find Us . Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson instituted the bounty program, hoping to address what she called a "bullying culture" in the district, especially in the middle and high schools. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. 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. 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. 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 intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 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. 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. During directors comments, Bob Jewell of Paris said a vote of no confidence against an administrator hired by the board, just six months after starting, was actually a no confidence vote against the board. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. 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. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". 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. 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. 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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.. Success. 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. 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. 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. Log in to join the discussion. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Copyright 2022 WMTW. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. All rights reserved. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Success. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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. 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. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators .
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