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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. Success. Use the form below to reset your password. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. . The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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. My blood is boiling. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Don't have a commenting profile? NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. 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. 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. "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. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. All rights reserved. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. 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. Log in to join the discussion. That is it. 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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. All rights reserved. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. If you are concerned about a child being . Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. Contributed. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. 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 AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. "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. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. 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. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. 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. 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. 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. In addition to teachers and ed techs . You can share 5 more gift articles this month. We want our students and our staff safe. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. Crime and Public Safety | Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack 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. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. 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. 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 police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. If someone uses fear and intimidation, if someone leaves outside of the bargaining agreement during the school year because of fear and anxiety, you dont file a grievance. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. (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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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 Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Learn more. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. 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 is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. She has not been in our school.. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. Crime and Public Safety | 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. Copyright 2022 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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 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. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. 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 . Crime and Public Safety | by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. 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. 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. On Monday, Jan. 31, interviews will be with John Bernia, Chief Academic Officer, Warren Consolidated Schools; and Ken Weaver, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Oxford Community Schools. 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"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. On Monday . 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Henson was placed on paid . 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. 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. 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. 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.
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