You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. The parent, Aranka Matolcsy of South Paris, made a plea to directors to listen carefully to all the statements over the course of the meeting and to take them very seriously. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Related Articles Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Copyright 2022 WMTW. 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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 . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Parents are still concerned. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Login. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Sign up and stay in the know with weekday news updates in your inbox at 1 p.m. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, The position was eliminated and the district split the duties, Small crowd gathers in South Paris to request MSAD 17 superintendent resign, MSAD 17 board of directors puts superintendent on administrative leave, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. 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. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. 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. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The same limitations were applied to parents. We want our students and our staff safe. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. "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.". 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. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. "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. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. AS YOU SAID.. Large Majority of Maine Voters Oppose Secret Gender Transitions at The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. 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. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. In addition to teachers and ed techs . 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. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack (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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Crime and Public Safety | She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. ?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. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. 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.. On Monday . The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. Henson was placed on paid . On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. One child was recently injured while in school. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. South Paris ME, 04281. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. ? 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. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WMTW We want our students and our staff safe. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. 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. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. MSAD 17 | Home You can share 5 more gift articles this month. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. 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. 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. 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 superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns "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 associations members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Hensons leadership. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Nicole Carter. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. "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. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Investigations open into Oxford Hills superintendent accused of 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. 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. 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). Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a 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. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 She has not been in our school.. Heres why. 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. Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. 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. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME - Facebook PARIS Directors of Maine School Administrative District 17 unanimously appointed Chief Curriculum Officer Heather Manchester as interim superintendent Monday, five days after Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on paid administrative leave. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. 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. 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. 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 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. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. People are feeling afraid. 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. Already registered? Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant 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 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 Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Superintendent of Schools. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. 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 . 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. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting, Monica Henson is accused of forcefully grabbing an elementary school student by both arms in September, 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. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. 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. Crime and Public Safety | 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies 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 accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. 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."