Use the form below to reset your password. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Success. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Monica Henson had been on leave. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. One child was recently injured while in school. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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." NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. As for the allegation of inappropriately touching an elementary school student in September, Dr. Henson wrote that the parents of the student saw no issue with the way the situation was handled. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. Calls may be made anonymously. 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. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Parents are still concerned. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Crime and Public Safety | On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack 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. Don't have a commenting profile? Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. 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. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. 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. 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. South Paris ME, 04281. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns After just six months on the job, Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on administrative leave Jan. 26, following. 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. The childs parents, Eric Bennett and Ashley Rowe, did not learn the full details of the incident until reading it in the press last week. Bangor school system continues mentor program during challenging COVID-19 school year, 3 things to know from Maine's COVID briefing: omicron infections affecting schools, hospitals & testing, Lewiston requests state waive minimum requirement for school days due to COVID challenges. 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. . 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. Please wait for the page to reload. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana Enter your email and password to access comments. 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. 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. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. The principal of Agnes Grey Elementary at the time, Beth Clarke, resigned in December after having been placed on administrative leave in September, and wrote a public letter outlining grievances against Henson. 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. All rights reserved. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. The Oxford Hills School District. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. "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. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . 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. Id like to take a moment to clarify. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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 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." If you are concerned about a child being . She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. My blood is boiling. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. Published: Apr. "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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Already have a commenting profile? 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. AS YOU SAID.. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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.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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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 timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. 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. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. 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. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. "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. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. We want our students and our staff safe. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. 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. 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. 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. (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. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. 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. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. The position of assistant superintendent was eliminated when Patrick Hartnett left in October2021 to become an assistant professor at the University of Southern Maines School of Education and Human Development. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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.. ?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. 776 talking about this. Crime and Public Safety | Use the form below to reset your password. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 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. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. "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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. Superintendent of Schools. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . 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. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. "It's a . I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. 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. 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. 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. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. 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. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. 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. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. Henson provided a lengthy written statement early Wednesday to the Advertiser Democrat, noting that a no-confidence vote is a sign that an administrator is doing the work they were hired to do. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. Related Articles 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. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job.
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