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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. "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. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WMTW "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." Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME - Facebook One child was recently injured while in school. Already registered? When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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 biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. 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. She was. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. 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. Already have a commenting profile? 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. 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 board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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. 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. 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. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". 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. 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Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. 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. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Enter your email and password to access comments. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. 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. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. 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. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW Oxford Hills School District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack 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. If you are concerned about a child being . Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and MSAD 17 | Home Log in to join the discussion. That is it. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. 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. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Login. 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 . Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Henson was placed on paid . The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. South Paris ME, 04281. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. 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. 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. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Don't have a commenting profile? 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 The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 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. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. 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. Crime and Public Safety | CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation 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. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. On Monday . 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. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. 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. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. All rights reserved. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Already have a commenting profile? 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." 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. 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 . Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat file photo, We knew we had to put someone in front of the staff who was comfortable and had a running knowledge of our district, Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris said after the afternoon emergency board meeting. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. 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 agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Heres why. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. "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 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. 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. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Oxford Hills School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. 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 . Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. Trampled. "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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