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. 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. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.". The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. 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 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. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. It should not be allowed at all. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. 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. 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 Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Already registered? 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. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Oxford Hills School Board Temporarily Blocks Gender Schools Details: WebThe policy fight in the Oxford Hills School System is playing out in every Maine school district, as activists both on the Maine Department of Education payroll and at non-profit partner organizations oxford hills superintendent office Verified 6 days ago 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. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Please wait for the page to reload. All rights reserved. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. Id like to take a moment to clarify. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. We want our students and our staff safe. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. 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. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Enter your email and password to access comments. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Find Us . The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. 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." Use the form below to reset your password. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. "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 biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. 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. 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. "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. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. 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. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. Jeni Jordan, an Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teacher and president of the Oxford Hills Education Association, presented the board with a list of 27 complaints compiled by educators over the Hensons conduct. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. 776 talking about this. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. You will receive an email to complete the registration. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. 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.. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. Crime and Public Safety | That review recently came to an end. 27 . 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. 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. 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. 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. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. 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. Dr. Monica Henson forcefully denied all 27 complaints levied against her at a district board meeting. In addition to teachers and ed techs . 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Log in to join the discussion. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries.