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. 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. 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.. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. Crime and Public Safety | Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 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. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. 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. . PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. Heres why. 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.. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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 is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. 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. 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. 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. 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. In addition to teachers and ed techs . Learn more. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Use the form below to reset your password. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Already have a commenting profile? "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. Learn more. 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. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. 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. 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. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. 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. Log in to join the discussion. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. Use the form below to reset your password. The student fell while she pulled him into an office, and the superintended fell on top of the student and used a restraint technique. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. Nicole Carter. 232 Main Street. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Trampled. ? The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 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. If someone breaks the law, you dont file a grievance.. 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. That review recently came to an end. Copyright 2022 WMTW. 27 . Crime and Public Safety | South Paris ME, 04281. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. Henson was placed on paid . 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. 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. Don't have a commenting profile? I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 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 full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. 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. She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. "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. 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.. 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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). DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. Sign up and stay in the know with weekday news updates in your inbox at 1 p.m. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting superintendent, Manage your Advertiser Democrat Subscription, Manage your Livermore Falls Advertiser Subscription, Manage your Franklin Journal Subscription, Manage your Rumford Falls Times Subscription, Manage Your Rangeley Highlander Subscription, Sun Media Groups Western Maine Weekly Subscriptions, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, The position was eliminated and the district split the duties, Small crowd gathers in South Paris to request MSAD 17 superintendent resign, MSAD 17 board of directors puts superintendent on administrative leave, SAD 17 superintendent responds to union complaints after no-confidence vote, Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of superintendent, Police ask the public to stay off the roads as storm makes driving conditions dangerous, Civilians flee embattled town as Ukrainian pullout looms, The environmental disaster lurking inside your chocolate bar, Sen. Collins was lone Republican to oppose confirmation of Texas judge wholl rule on abortion pill, Man accused of stealing pot, starting fight at Auburn cannabis store, Auburn plans to cut two dozen positions from proposed school budget. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. On Monday . OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. 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. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. 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. 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 September, along with . Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. She was possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. 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. 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 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. People are feeling afraid. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. 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The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. That forum has not yet been scheduled. 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. 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. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. AND AGN,O TAI OUR TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN ASKED OR QUESTIONED" "I'M UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE WHE ERA TEACHERS' UNION IS ASKED TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. 776 talking about this. Empowered by their unions stance, Agnes Gray staff who witnessed the incident in September separately filed a report with DHHS on Jan. 20. 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. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. Already registered? 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. 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. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. 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. I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. The second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. HARTFORD - Waterbury schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin defended having school resource officers in city schools before state legislators . Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man. "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." 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. She has a running knowledge of everything that is going on within the district right now.. Since you said it was a vote of no confidence and listed her name, we need to follow grievance procedure.. Success. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 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. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. "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. It should not be allowed at all. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. AS YOU SAID.. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 The Oxford Hills School District. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Parents are still concerned. 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. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. "There's a lot of fear of job termination, there's a lot of feeling like we're being watched, that somebody is just waiting for us to mess up so we can be reprimanded. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. 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. 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. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. She has not been in our school.. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Create one. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Already have a commenting profile? 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. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. Id like to take a moment to clarify. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. The Oxford Hills School Board voted on Monday evening to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson, officials say. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Published: Apr. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly.