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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Crime and Public Safety | The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting All rights reserved. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. All rights reserved. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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 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. Please wait for the page to reload. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. 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. 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. If you are concerned about a child being . "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. 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. 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. 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. 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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News Trampled. School Administrative District 17 Superintendent Monica Henson, standing at left, and school board Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris, standing at right, listen Tuesday night to a district resident asking about rules for public comments during the board meeting in Paris. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. Login. Parents are still concerned. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. All this uproar from the Oxford Hills Education Association is puzzling, given that they have made no previous expression of concern to the School Board using the channels that are available to any staff, Henson wrote. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". . 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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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 School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 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. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Don't have a commenting profile? This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. In addition to teachers and ed techs . I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. Success. Waterbury superintendent defends use of school resource officer That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. 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. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. Already registered? Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV 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. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. 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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. Crime and Public Safety | "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. Investigations open into Oxford Hills superintendent accused of Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WABI-TV School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. 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 Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. 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Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. 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. 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. Create one. 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.. 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. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 232 Main Street. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. "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. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. The OHEA was invited to submit a quarterly letter to the Board outlining how they perceive things are going with the new administration, with the express purpose that the letters would be used as part of my performance evaluation by the Board. Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info South Paris ME, 04281. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. 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. "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. 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. Id like to take a moment to clarify. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Example video title will go here for this video. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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), RFK Jr. apologizes after condemnation for Anne Frank comment, Costco could be building its 1st store in Maine, 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a 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 . Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns After just six months on the job, Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on administrative leave Jan. 26, following. No other details about the incident are available. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. All rights reserved. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Enter your email and password to access comments. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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). PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. AS YOU SAID.. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. It should not be allowed at all. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Calls may be made anonymously. MSAD 17 | Home Already registered? Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation | MSAD 17 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. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. 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." A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. 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. 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.