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Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. "It's a . Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. There are a number of reasons staff members chose to take a vote, including a situation where the superintendent allegedly used force against a student. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. AND AGN,O TAI OUR TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ASKED OR QUESTIONED" "I'M UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE WHE ERA TEACHERS' UNION IS ASKED TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. Trampled. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. We want our students and our staff safe. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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. 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. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . The principal of Agnes Grey Elementary at the time, Beth Clarke, resigned in December after having been placed on administrative leave in September, and wrote a public letter outlining grievances against Henson. 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 have reached out to her, only one has been negative. 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. 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. Copyright 2022 WMTW. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching 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. "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. 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. OVER 90% OF TEACHERS UNION MEMBERS GAVE HER A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A PRIVATE VOTE, THE RESULTS OF WHICH THEY BROUGHT TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS LAST NIGHT. PARIS, Maine No confidence. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Create one. 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. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Use the form below to reset your password. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. Crime and Public Safety | 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 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. "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. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Crime and Public Safety | The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Nicole Carter. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Already have a commenting profile? 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. 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. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson's resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. No other details about the incident are available. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Calls may be made anonymously. 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. 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. 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 police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Don't have a commenting profile? On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 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. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Enter your email and password to access comments. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. She has not been in our school.. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary 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. 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. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Create one. Heres why. That review recently came to an end. 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." Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Find Us . Superintendent of Schools. 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. 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. "THE PARENT DID NOT OBJECT TO MY HANDLING OF THE INCIDENT, COMMUNICATED WITH ME FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS,ND A HAS FILED NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE BOARD OR EXPRESSED ANY FURTH ER CONCERN SINCE THE NOTIFICATION FROM ME." All rights reserved. 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. 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. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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. 27 . I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 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. 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. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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.. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. "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. 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. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. 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. "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.". Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. Please wait for the page to reload. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Learn more. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. 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. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. 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. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. 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. Contributed. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. 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. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Published: Apr. Enter your email and password to access comments. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. 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. 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. 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. The Oxford Hills School District. PARIS Parents, educators and community members descended on Oxford Hills School District directors meeting Tuesday night to voice serious concerns with Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. 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. Parents of Oxford Hills Middle School students on the basketball team also addressed the board about their coachs dismissal last year over an incident involving players from a visiting team. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. It should not be allowed at all. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Don't have a commenting profile? People are feeling afraid. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. 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