A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WMTW It should not be allowed at all. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. 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. She was. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV ?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. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. Contributed. THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. 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. 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. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. She has not been in our school.. If you are concerned about a child being . Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. 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. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. "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 Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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 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 platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Crime and Public Safety | Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. That forum has not yet been scheduled. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace 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. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. Crime and Public Safety | "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about. 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. Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Heres why. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and 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. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Enter your email and password to access comments. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. One child was recently injured while in school. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Learn more. "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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. 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. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info Copyright 2022 WABI. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. "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. 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. Related Articles 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. 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. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. 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. 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), RFK Jr. apologizes after condemnation for Anne Frank comment, Costco could be building its 1st store in Maine, Residents in one western Maine town look to curb Poland Springs appetite for water, Theres no feeling like it: Last-second layup gives Brewer boys basketball its 1st state championship, Couples recreation business cultivates 'slice of heaven' in Maine highlands, Fine-dining restaurant in northern Maine adds bed and breakfast, 2 teenagers charged after a man in Calais was shot on a walking trail, Maine photographer snaps shots of bobcat thats blind in one eye, Nor'easter could dump a foot of snow on parts of Maine Saturday, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The 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. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September Crime and Public Safety | 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. All rights reserved. Monica Henson had been on leave. Log in to join the discussion. The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Oxford school superintendent interviews this week open to public, Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities, Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack, West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana, Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant, Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace, Photo gallery from the Division 1 competitive cheer finals at Mt. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. 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. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. 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. 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. ACCORDING TO THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT WE OBTAINED.. HENSON AGREES THAT SHE WILL COOPERATE AND MAKE HERSELF AVAILABLE SHOULD ANY LEGAL CLAIM BE FILED AGAINST THE DISTRI. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. 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. Dozens of people fill the Oxford Hills School District board room Tuesday night in Paris where some expressed serious concerns about Superintendent Monica Henson's leadership in her first six. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. "There's a lot of fear," 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. 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. Already have a commenting profile? 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. 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 ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. 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.. Don't have a commenting profile? Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. "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. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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 School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. 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 AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Monica Henson, the former Oxford Hills School District superintendent, was filling in as principal at Agnes Gray Elementary and is accused of grabbing a student by the arm and pulling him into an . Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Trampled. 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. 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 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 You will receive an email to complete the registration. Superintendent of Schools. 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. 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. 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. Published: Apr. 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." Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. 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. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. 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.
What Is The Politically Correct Term For Disabled?,
Eddyline Sitka St Purple,
Articles O