There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. 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. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. AS YOU SAID.. 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 superintendent of the Oxford Hills School Department is being investigated by state and county officials after allegations were made that she inappropriately physically restrained a child. 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 crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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. Learn more. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. She has not been in our school.. 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. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. ? 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. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. 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. 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. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. People are feeling afraid. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Crime and Public Safety | Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. 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. 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They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. 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. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Henson was placed on paid . To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. "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 about COVID and how that's being handled. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Success. Example video title will go here for this video. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. We want our students and our staff safe. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. Already registered? Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. 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Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. 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. 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. 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.. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. No other details about the incident are available. Please wait for the page to reload. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. 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. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Monica Henson had been on leave. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. In addition to teachers and ed techs . She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. "Im unaware of any other school system in the state where a teachers union is asked to participate directly in the evaluation of the superintendent of schools," Dr. Henson wrote. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. "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. "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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. "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.The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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 "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Superintendent of Schools. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. Copyright 2022 WABI. We want our students and our staff safe. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Contributed. 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. That is it. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Crime and Public Safety | The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. 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. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Id like to take a moment to clarify. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. 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. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Already have a commenting profile? DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. Baumgardner has led a group of Oxford Hills residents to have Chickering reinstated since he was fired as coach and implored board members and the administration to allow him to return for at least the last few games of the year. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, 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. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. Calls may be made anonymously. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. Success. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. "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. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. "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." In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. On Monday . Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. "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. 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 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. 776 talking about this. 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. "It's a . "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. 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 check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. 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. 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. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. 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. 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 . 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.