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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. 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. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. Don't have a commenting profile? You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. 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. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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.. Trampled. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. 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 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.. 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 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. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. "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. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. All rights reserved. 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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 biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. We want our students and our staff safe. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Copyright 2022 WABI. 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. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Success. 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. That's what the union representing teachers in the Oxford Hills School District said about Superintendent Monica Henson when they put it to a vote. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Monica Henson had been on leave. Create one. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . 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 September, along with creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. "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. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. 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. 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. 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 a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. Related Articles 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. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please wait for the page to reload. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Henson is accused of grabbing a student by the arm and pulling him into an office while she was filling in as principal at Agnes Gray Elementary in September. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Nicole Carter. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 776 talking about this. I told the board that they should be ashamed of themselves that they had this reported by three different people, and they pushed it under the rug until the media got involved.. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. 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. 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. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Crime and Public Safety | No other details about the incident are available. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500.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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Henson's leadership in her first six. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. Already registered? If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. 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 . 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. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. 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. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. Success. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. My blood is boiling. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. "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. If you are concerned about a child being . 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. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Log in to join the discussion. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Multiple People Rescued From Burning Indianapolis Building, Mistrial Declared in Tucson for Man Charged in Girl's Death, Wisconsin Substance Center Owes $2m in Medicaid Fraud Case. 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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. 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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. We want our students and our staff safe. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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 STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. "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. "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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. 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. On Tuesday, Feb. 1, interviews are set with Jill Lemond, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Oxford Community Schools; and David Pass, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Oxford Community Schools. She was. All rights reserved. 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. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. "It's a . All Rights Reserved. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Crime and Public Safety | One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. 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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Login. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. That forum has not yet been scheduled. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. 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. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Login. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. ? That is it. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Already have a commenting profile? 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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Parents are still concerned. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. 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 dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he 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. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. 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. 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. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. . 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. 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Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. The Oxford Hills School District. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. 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. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 232 Main Street. 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. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. 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. 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.
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