DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. She instead outlined the ways in which the school had been failing under Clarkes leadership, claiming that an assistant administrator had ranked Clarke as the worst principal in the district. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. 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. ?27 COMPLAINTS WERE BROUGHT TO THEOA BRD LT AS NIGHT AT A MEETING, BUT THE MOST SERIOUS COMPLAINT INVOLVED AN INCIDENT AT AGNES GRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER WHEN DR. HENSON ALLEGEDLY P UT HER HANDS ON A STUDENT AGGRESSIVELY, SOMETHING THE TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT SAYS HAS BEEN LARGELY IGNORED TO THIS POINT. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. "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. That is it. 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. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday.Oxford Hills Education Association president Jen Jordan told WMTW News 8 that the complaints stemmed from a private vote amongst the association's members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Henson's leadership. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Members asked if we would allow a number of concerns during the forum regarding the leadership of Dr. Monica Henson we had an unprecedented number of staff show up for that meeting. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant 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. Learn more. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. 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 . It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Login. I will not stand for it and I believe most of the people here will join me we will form what we need to in terms of public oversight to ensure that our children, our students and our teachers are safe, respected and given the oversight they deserve, especially those with special needs.. Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WABI-TV We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. 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. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Firefighters used ladders to rescue at least five people from a burning Indianapolis apartment building where others reportedly jumped from third-floor windows to escape the smoke and flames, A mistrial was declared after a jury in southern Arizona was unable to reach a verdict on a murder charge against a man accused of killing a 6-year-old girl, A now-shuttered Wisconsin substance abuse center and its CEO owe the government more than $2 million in a Medicaid fraud case. Andrews said the decision was reached after consulting with the districts attorney and Steve Bailey, head of the Maine School Board Association. Oxford Hills School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 No other details about the incident are available. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. Oxford Hills School District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude 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. School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Oxford Hills superintendent on paid leave following student assault 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. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. 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. 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 Education Association president Jen Jordan told WMTW News 8 that the complaints stemmed from a private vote amongst the associations members where 95% of the members said they have no confidence in Dr. Hensons leadership. All Rights Reserved. Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. 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 School District agrees to pay $174K to resigning 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Alexa Baumgardner and Tobi Worden spoke in defense of coach and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School teacher Riley Chickering, both fighting back tears at times as they spoke of their sons pain at losing their mentor with no explanation. Example video title will go here for this video. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. Contributed. Log in to join the discussion. 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. 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. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. AS YOU SAID.. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . "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. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. "And the OHEA has neglected to take advantage of that opportunity and instead try to hijack the public narrative with a collection of falsehoods and vague expressions of 'concern' that is easily disprovable.". 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. "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. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . "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 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Baumgardner has led a group of Oxford Hills residents to have Chickering reinstated since he was fired as coach and implored board members and the administration to allow him to return for at least the last few games of the year. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. 776 talking about this. We want our students and our staff safe. She has not been in our school.. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. Already registered? Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and 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. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. There are a number of reasons staff members chose to take a vote, including a situation where the superintendent allegedly used force against a student. 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." There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. "THE PARENT DID NOT OBJECT TO MY HANDLING OF THE INCIDENT, COMMUNICATED WITH ME FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS,ND A HAS FILED NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE BOARD OR EXPRESSED ANY FURTH ER CONCERN SINCE THE NOTIFICATION FROM ME." Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Trampled. Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. People are feeling afraid. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. 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. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. South Paris ME, 04281. 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. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. 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. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. Crime and Public Safety | The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. 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. Crime and Public Safety | "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. 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. Investigations open into Oxford Hills superintendent accused of This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Superintendent of Schools. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. Vicki Morgan, grandmother and guardian of the second child, had addressed the board at a meeting several months ago and spoke again Tuesday night to reiterate that her childs rights were being violated daily. All rights reserved. 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. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. "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. The 22-member board represents the towns of Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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 The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. That review recently came to an end. Staff | MSAD 17 Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting She was placed on leave Jan. 26. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. During directors comments, Bob Jewell of Paris said a vote of no confidence against an administrator hired by the board, just six months after starting, was actually a no confidence vote against the board. It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH 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. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. All rights reserved. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. And documents obtained by the Maine Wire show how the firm has coached Maine school boards on how to limit parental input when dealing with these controversial topics. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. 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. The same limitations were applied to parents. 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. That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. 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. Don't have a commenting profile? Find Us . On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. . On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Oxford Hills School Board Meeting - Schoolslearning.info 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.
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