by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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. 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 . The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Enter your email and password to access comments. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. South Paris ME, 04281. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. Success. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. "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.". 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September 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. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. 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.. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Crime and Public Safety | Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. (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. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. It should not be allowed at all. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. No other details about the incident are available. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. That is it. ?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. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. 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. School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies 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. Parents of Oxford Hills Middle School students on the basketball team also addressed the board about their coachs dismissal last year over an incident involving players from a visiting team. Find Us . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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.. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Please wait for the page to reload. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. 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 BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. If you are concerned about a child being . She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. 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. Crime and Public Safety | Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities "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 board accepts superintendent's resignation Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson was put on administrative leave in January after allegations that she forcibly restrained an. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. 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. 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. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. Monica Henson had been on leave. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. "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. Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info 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. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. 776 talking about this. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME - Facebook The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Copyright 2022 WABI. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining 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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and In her rebuttal statement, Henson acknowledged using restraint on one child, adding there had been no injury to them and that the parent of the student made no objection in subsequent communications with her. The 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. 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. 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. 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. Id like to take a moment to clarify. 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. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. My blood is boiling. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. 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. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. 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. 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 copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. 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. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of 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. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. 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. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. 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. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. "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. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Already have 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. All Rights Reserved. "That is just a statement letting the school board know that the staff who voted don't feel that the leadership of Dr. Henson is effective for our school system," Jen Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Union, said. The childs parents, Eric Bennett and Ashley Rowe, did not learn the full details of the incident until reading it in the press last week. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. WMTW News 8 received pictures of the schools code of conduct, which teachers say was given to parents to sign during the first week of school as part of the student handbook. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Pleasant's McGuirk Arena, Michigan State Police: Man dies by suicide after several-hour standoff with police, Residents object to proposed I-75 ramp removal, Rochester ekes out narrow win over Adams, Stoney Creek to claim first cheer title since 2017, Storm could bring 6-10 inches of heavy snow, Judge: Oxford school employees shielded from lawsuit alleging negligence ahead of deadly mass shooting, Not again. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. 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. 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. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. Login. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. PARIS Parents, educators and community members descended on Oxford Hills School District directors meeting Tuesday night to voice serious concerns with Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Calls may be made anonymously. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . 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. Log in to join the discussion. 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 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. 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. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 232 Main Street. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Already registered? 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. Create one. All rights reserved. Crime and Public Safety | Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. 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. Waterbury superintendent defends use of school resource officer 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. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. One child was recently injured while in school. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added.