Calls may be made anonymously. School district offering $100 reward to catch cyberbullies 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. Waterbury superintendent defends use of school resource officer Large Majority of Maine Voters Oppose Secret Gender Transitions at Already registered? That review recently came to an end. 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. The parent, Aranka Matolcsy of South Paris, made a plea to directors to listen carefully to all the statements over the course of the meeting and to take them very seriously. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. 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. 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Example video title will go here for this video. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. All rights reserved. PARIS Parents, educators and community members descended on Oxford Hills School District directors meeting Tuesday night to voice serious concerns with Superintendent Monica Hensons leadership in her first six months on the job. . Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Learn more. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. 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. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH No other details about the incident are available. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. 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. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. 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 AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation | MSAD 17 by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Superintendent of Schools. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. 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. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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 biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. On Monday . 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. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Find Us . 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. Already registered? Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. On Jan. 19, directors instructed district Chief Child Services Officer Jan Neureuther to report the incident to DHHS. 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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. Addressing the situation with Chickering, Henson wrote in her statement that while she had removed a stipended coaching assignment from the teacher she had not not terminated him. Parents are still concerned. Learn more. 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. All Rights Reserved. ? West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Theres a lot of fear of job termination, theres a lot of feeling like were being watched, that somebody is just waiting for us to mess up so we can be reprimanded. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. I am extremely angry, Rowe told WMTW News 8. "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. Crime and Public Safety | Log in to join the discussion. Morgan got her local legislator and the Maine Department of education involved, and her granddaughter was allowed back in school the following week with a facemask after a note from her doctor. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. People are feeling afraid. We want our students and our staff safe. "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. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. Police: Alleged iPhone thief admits to similar crimes from people advertising on Facebook Marketplace Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. 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. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. 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 placed on paid leave pending - WABI WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. Login. 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, 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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. 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. She has not been in our school.. Related Articles 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. "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." 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 While neither woman was allowed to refer to specific situations affecting their children during the meeting, Matolcsy had previously written on social media that she had been given two different reasons for her childs injury by different staff members and was denied a request for a third-party service provider to observe her child in his classroom environment, a practice that had been allowed in the past. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. "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. 776 talking about this. 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. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. 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. 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. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. "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.". 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. 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. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. Oxford Hills superintendent resigns amid allegations she assaulted a Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. 232 Main Street. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. 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. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. Oxford Hills School Board accepts superintendent's resignation The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. 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. 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. Maine school to pay former superintendent $174K, according to resignation agreement, CLARKE JOINS US LIVE IN STUDIO TO EXPLAIN THE CONDITIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT. 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. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. 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. 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. 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. Heather Manchester, chief curriculum officer for the Oxford Hills School District in Paris, addresses the board of directors in July 2020. "It's a . I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. Log in to join the discussion. 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 had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Crime and Public Safety | She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. Monica Henson had been on leave. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. AS YOU SAID.. 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. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. Don't have a commenting profile? Crime and Public Safety | Login. 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. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. The childs parents, Eric Bennett and Ashley Rowe, did not learn the full details of the incident until reading it in the press last week. 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. "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. Success. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Copyright 2022 WABI. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. 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. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Published: Apr. One child was recently injured while in school. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 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). Oxford Hills school board accepts superintendent's resignation - WABI-TV And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Henson was placed on paid . It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. Tumult for Agnes Gray continues as more speak out about September If you are concerned about a child being . 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. It should not be allowed at all. My blood is boiling. All rights reserved. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. 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. 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. 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.. 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. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. Id like to take a moment to clarify. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. A Department of Education spokesperson said they have not decided about whether they will revoke Hensons license or take any disciplinary action. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME - Facebook 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 - WMTW Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. ?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.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. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. 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. Vicki Morgan said her 10-year-old granddaughter has an anxiety disorder and a learning disability, and her doctor advises she doesn't wear a face mask, and wear a face shield instead.