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.. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. 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. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation You can share 5 more gift articles this month. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. All Rights Reserved. Calls may be made anonymously. Login. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. 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. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Success. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. 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. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Superintendent of Schools. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. 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. 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. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. 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PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. 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. Heres why. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave.. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Crime and Public Safety | If you are concerned about a child being . "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 Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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. She has not been in our school.. "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. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News 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. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. 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. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . 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. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. 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. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Parents are still concerned. Already registered? 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. Oxford Hills School District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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). Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. 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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. 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. 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 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 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. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. She was. Staff | MSAD 17 We want our students and our staff safe. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI 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. "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. Don't have a commenting profile? "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 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and 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. 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 superintendent on paid leave following student assault OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WABI-TV 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." 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. While neither woman was allowed to refer to specific situations affecting their children during the meeting, Matolcsy had previously written on social media that she had been given two different reasons for her childs injury by different staff members and was denied a request for a third-party service provider to observe her child in his classroom environment, a practice that had been allowed in the past. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. 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 Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. 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. Learn more. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. 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. "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. 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. On Monday . Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a 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. Crime and Public Safety | Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. That is it. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. 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. 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. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . 776 talking about this. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. 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. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. 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. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. South Paris ME, 04281. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. "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. 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. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said.