Theres a lot of fear of job termination, theres a lot of feeling like were being watched, that somebody is just waiting for us to mess up so we can be reprimanded. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. 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. 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. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. Or email them to: [email protected] . "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. 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. 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 Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 and has benefited from Three donations of $1,000,000 each from Robert and Sandra Bahre. 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. 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. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. It should not be allowed at all. 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. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Crime and Public Safety | It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. "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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 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. 776 talking about this. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. "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.". We want our students and our staff safe. She was. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. 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 had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Don't have a commenting profile? Log in to join the discussion. 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. In addition to teachers and ed techs . 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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.. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Already registered? Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. All Rights Reserved. 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. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. 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. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. 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. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Enter your email and password to access comments. Superintendent of Schools. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. 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 (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. 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.. 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. That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Already have a commenting profile? So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. ?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. 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. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. 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. 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. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant 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. Login. 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. People are feeling afraid. 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. . 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. "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." Enter your email and password to access comments. 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. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. 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. 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. The same limitations were applied to parents. One child was recently injured while in school. 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. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. Example video title will go here for this video. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. Success. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. 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. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Don't have a commenting profile? Use the form below to reset your password. Already registered? Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. 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. 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. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. "It's a . 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. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. If you are concerned about a child being . Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. The Oxford Hills School District. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. 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. Crime and Public Safety | The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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 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 all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. 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. Learn more. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us.
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