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.. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Create one. 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. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Use the form below to reset your password. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Copyright 2022 WABI. 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Calls may be made anonymously. 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. 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 . Copyright 2022 WMTW. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. 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. That is it. Enter your email and password to access comments. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. 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. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Use the form below to reset your password. South Paris ME, 04281. Learn more. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. She has not been in our school.. AS YOU SAID.. 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. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 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. People are feeling afraid. Login. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. 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. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. 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 . I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Crime and Public Safety | "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. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. "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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 27 . Don't have a commenting profile? Superintendent of Schools. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. 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. Find Us . The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. . 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. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. 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. Already have a commenting profile? You will receive an email to complete the registration. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. 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. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. She termed Boyds reference at the meeting to breaking the law as categorically false and went on to write that Clarke had falsely categorized an incident in the cafeteria. "It's a . Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "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. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Already have a commenting profile? And documents obtained by the Maine Wire show how the firm has coached Maine school boards on how to limit parental input when dealing with these controversial topics. Don't have a commenting profile? Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. One child was recently injured while in school. Morgan got her local legislator and the Maine Department of education involved, and her granddaughter was allowed back in school the following week with a facemask after a note from her doctor. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 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. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Published: Apr. 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. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. Henson was placed on paid . Parents of Oxford Hills Middle School students on the basketball team also addressed the board about their coachs dismissal last year over an incident involving players from a visiting team. 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 last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. 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. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. 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. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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 IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. 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. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 "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. "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." The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. Parents are still concerned. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant The same limitations were applied to parents. Crime and Public Safety | The reaction of the childs parents contrasts with Dr. Hensons statement last week defending herself against the list of complaints given to the board against her. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. "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.". Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. 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. 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.
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