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Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. She has not been in our school.. All rights reserved. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. 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. It should not be allowed at all. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Or email them to: [email protected] . Staff | MSAD 17 Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. 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. 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. That review recently came to an end. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME - Facebook 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. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. Crime and Public Safety | With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. 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 are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Trampled. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. 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. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. One West Paris resident later told the Advertiser Democrat that Puiia fears for her job. 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. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Superintendent of Schools (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Steve Ciembroniewicz Assistant Superintendent (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Jan Neureuther Chief Student Services Officer (207) 743-8972 [email protected] Brandy Moore Special Education Assistant Director 207-743-8972 [email protected] Debra Hertell 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. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. 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. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. Contributed. 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. 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. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. And there's some concern about how chain of command is being portrayed in how it should be used, and then how it is being used. "THE 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." She was. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. 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. 232 Main Street. Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. My blood is boiling. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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 . Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Login. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. NORWAY, Maine 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. They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. Director William Rolfe of West Paris said it was his preference and in the best interest of the West Paris community to table discussion of a permanent hire until the board has a chance to review the issues at the school in executive session. They don't represent the majority of the community," Henson said. 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. That is it. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. OXFORD HILLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. MONICA HENSON IS ACCUSED OF CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND INTIMIDATN IO AMONG BOTH TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS. 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 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. Already have a commenting profile? The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Oxford Hills School District MSAD #17 | Paris ME On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Find Us . PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. "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. Heres why. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. 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. Investigations open into Oxford Hills superintendent accused of It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. 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. ? Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. The timeline calls for finalists interviews on Feb. 16 and 17 with a selection of a new superintendent set for March 4. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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. 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. Already registered? Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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." On Monday . In addition to teachers and ed techs . Copyright 2022 WMTW. 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. 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. 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. Henson was filling in for the principal for a day at the time of that incident, which resulted in investigations by the Oxford County Sheriffs Department and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, as well as an internal investigation by the school department. 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A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. NORWAY, Maine (WMTW) -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. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities You can share 5 more gift articles this month. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. Boyd listed a series of situations that cannot be addressed by an official grievance. 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. DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining "Being denied access to his classroom is against every recommendation of every advocacy organization and institution," Matolcsy added. (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); The list also included that employees are concerned with the superintendents use of professional time, of statements she has made to local and national media, and of inappropriate tone and intimidating language expressed in emails to employees. AND AS FAR AS WE'RE AWARE, THERE'S BEEN NO INVESTIGATION ON THAT. Related Articles The biggest concern is that theres an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students, Jordan said. Crime and Public Safety | "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. I am beyond frustrated and so overwhelmed that they would even make that claim against her, said Grey teacher Rebekah Arntsen. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. 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 Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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 are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack 27 . It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Enter your email and password to access comments. PARIS, Maine No confidence. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV Don't have a commenting profile? You will receive an email to complete the registration. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. So there are a lot of valid things that staff are concerned about.. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. 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. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. Parents are still concerned. "It's a . That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. Calls may be made anonymously. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting 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. WMTW News 8 received pictures of the schools code of conduct, which teachers say was given to parents to sign during the first week of school as part of the student handbook. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. Enter your email and password to access comments. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. 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. Don't have a commenting profile? Oxford Hills Superintendent placed on paid leave pending - WABI 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. Some directors questioned why appointing Bickford permanently should stray from the normal process of posting the position and convening a panel to interview candidates before hiring others. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. 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. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. 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