Monica Henson had been on leave. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. Given the number of issues that are in corrective action at Agnes Gray that I do not want to present in public session, Henson explained, I am of the firm opinion that the best course is not to go through a shuffle of going through a process and potentially ending up with another principal. 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. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. 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. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. 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. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. 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. 776 talking about this. 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. 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Collins was lone Republican to oppose confirmation of Texas judge wholl rule on abortion pill, Man accused of stealing pot, starting fight at Auburn cannabis store, Auburn plans to cut two dozen positions from proposed school budget. Jordan read through the list of concerns, starting with allegations that the superintendent put her hands on a student while filling in at an elementary school, that staff have felt they are under investigation, that personal information has been shared by the superintendent and that discipline of staff has been inconsistent and often unfair. Crime and Public Safety | Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. Log in to join the discussion. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. All rights reserved. "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. Henson also claimed that the school did not have a code of conduct in its student handbook. Firefighters used ladders to rescue at least five people from a burning Indianapolis apartment building where others reportedly jumped from third-floor windows to escape the smoke and flames, A mistrial was declared after a jury in southern Arizona was unable to reach a verdict on a murder charge against a man accused of killing a 6-year-old girl, A now-shuttered Wisconsin substance abuse center and its CEO owe the government more than $2 million in a Medicaid fraud case. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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 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. 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. Contributed. The Oxford Hills School District. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. 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. 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. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. One parent told the Advertiser Democrat that Clarke resigned after taking concerns to the board about a day when Henson acted as the substitute principal at the school when she had a medical appointment. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. On Monday . If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. 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. . Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. ?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. 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. 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. 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. 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. 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. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Crime and Public Safety | Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. "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." "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. Login. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. 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.. 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. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. She has not been in our school.. Login. (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. 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. Learn more. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. "It's a . 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. Crime and Public Safety | The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. She was. Don't have a commenting profile? There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Learn more. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. I told the board that they should be ashamed of themselves that they had this reported by three different people, and they pushed it under the rug until the media got involved.. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace "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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Id like to take a moment to clarify. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. Success. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. "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. 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. "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 includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Create one. 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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. Success. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 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. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. 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. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. 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. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. 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. 232 Main Street. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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.. 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. 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. 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. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. 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. 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. 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. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. All Rights Reserved. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 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." 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 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. 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. 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.. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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