In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. "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. Login. PARIS, Maine No confidence. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. 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.. People are feeling afraid. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. Login. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Enter your email and password to access comments. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. "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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. 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 . 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. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. That is it. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. 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 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. Create one. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. Find Us . Monica Henson had been on leave. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. (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. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Already registered? The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. She was. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Parents are still concerned. Or email them to: [email protected] . "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. . JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Log in to join the discussion. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. The Oxford Hills School District. 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. No other details about the incident are available. 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.. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Contributed. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Please wait for the page to reload. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Crime and Public Safety | The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Superintendent of Schools (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Steve Ciembroniewicz Assistant Superintendent (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Jan Neureuther Chief Student Services Officer (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Brandy Moore Special Education Assistant Director 207-743-8972 [email protected] Debra Hertell Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. Success. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Nicole Carter. Heres why. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. Calls may be made anonymously. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. 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. The OHEA was invited to submit a quarterly letter to the Board outlining how they perceive things are going with the new administration, with the express purpose that the letters would be used as part of my performance evaluation by the Board. . Success. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Copyright 2022 WABI. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday.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. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Don't have a commenting profile? WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . 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 timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. "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.". 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. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. 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). 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. Id like to take a moment to clarify. South Paris ME, 04281. 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. Create one. 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. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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 also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. 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. Related Articles "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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. "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. 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. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. Crime and Public Safety | To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body..
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