Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. 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. Crime and Public Safety | Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. That is it. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. Parents are still concerned. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. 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 note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Already have a commenting profile? If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. Published: Apr. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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 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. Log in to join the discussion. 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.. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. 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. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. . Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . 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 second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. 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. 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. Create one. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. 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. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Contributed. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. 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 Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Superintendent of Schools (207) 743-8972 h.manchester@msad17.org Steve Ciembroniewicz Assistant Superintendent (207) 743-8972 s.ciembroniewicz@msad17.org Jan Neureuther Chief Student Services Officer (207) 743-8972 j.neureuther@msad17.org Brandy Moore Special Education Assistant Director 207-743-8972 b.moore@msad17.org Debra Hertell 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. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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.. 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.. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. One child was recently injured while in school. People are feeling afraid. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. 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. "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. "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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting, Monica Henson is accused of forcefully grabbing an elementary school student by both arms in September, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Weekend snowfall means business at Hermon Mountain Ski Area, Authorities searching for missing Greene man, Last round of snow moves in for today, sunshine returns on Sunday. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. 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. 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. Superintendent of Schools. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. 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). It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. 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. "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.". 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. 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 . The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. Learn more. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. 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. Log in to join the discussion. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. All rights reserved. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Already registered? AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. 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. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. 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. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. 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 Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. Trampled. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. 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. 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. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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 Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 and has benefited from Three donations of $1,000,000 each from Robert and Sandra Bahre. 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 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. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. 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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Sign up and stay in the know with weekday news updates in your inbox at 1 p.m. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, The position was eliminated and the district split the duties, Small crowd gathers in South Paris to request MSAD 17 superintendent resign, MSAD 17 board of directors puts superintendent on administrative leave, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. 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. "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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. All Rights Reserved. "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. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. 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. We want our students and our staff safe. Don't have a commenting profile? Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Id like to take a moment to clarify. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. OVER 90% OF TEACHERS UNION MEMBERS GAVE HER A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN A PRIVATE VOTE, THE RESULTS OF WHICH THEY BROUGHT TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS LAST NIGHT. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 No other details about the incident are available. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. Learn more. 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. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Create one. Use the form below to reset your password. The same limitations were applied to parents. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Henson was filling in for the principal for a day at the time of that incident, which resulted in investigations by the Oxford County Sheriffs Department and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, as well as an internal investigation by the school department. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, Superintendent Monica Henson responds to SAD 17 complaints, Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Forty years in, Paris Cape Historical Society keeps collecting history, More than 50,000 acres in Maine to be conserved, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. Collins was lone Republican to oppose confirmation of Texas judge wholl rule on abortion pill.