oxford hills superintendent

The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. It should not be allowed at all. Henson said at the time she used a limited restraint technique for a disruptive student. Crime and Public Safety | Monica Henson had been on leave. 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. . On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. 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. She was placed on administrative leave in January after being accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. I am raising my granddaughter, who has an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. 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. "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.". (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. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. 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. 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. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT RIGHT HERE.. 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. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Henson said that Clarke had allowed outstanding bullying incidents to go unchecked, a claim also pushed back on by Arntsen. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. That forum has not yet been scheduled. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 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. 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. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. Boyd said his groups goal regarding grievances is to resolve them well before it gets to an official process, and has successfully avoided it in the recent past. Login. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. WE HAD MULTIP ELEYEWITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. 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. Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 I told the board that they should be ashamed of themselves that they had this reported by three different people, and they pushed it under the rug until the media got involved.. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. 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. Teachers union lists complaints against Monica Henson, six months after she started the job. We want our students and our staff safe. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Crime and Public Safety | 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. 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. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. 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. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. We had multiple eyewitnesses to the incident, and again, to our knowledge, none of them have been asked or questioned about about that. While the districts investigation remains confidential, not all records are shielded under Maine law. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities Find Us . 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.. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. 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. The full list of the OHEAs complaints can be foundhere. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. The copy of the resignation agreement says they will pay Henson in return for her resignation . Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. Henson provided a lengthy written statement early Wednesday to the Advertiser Democrat, noting that a no-confidence vote is a sign that an administrator is doing the work they were hired to do. Dr. Hensons full rebuttal statement can be foundhere. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. Those records are also confidential, and the department did not wish to comment on the matter. 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. 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. South Paris ME, 04281. 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 accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation 27 complaints were levied against Dr. Monica Henson, including an allegation that she aggressively touched a. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat file photo, We knew we had to put someone in front of the staff who was comfortable and had a running knowledge of our district, Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris said after the afternoon emergency board meeting. 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. SHE WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. 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. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of creating culture of fear and intimidation, FROM OXFORD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE STORY. It stated that Henson had put hands on two children while overseeing the school on Sept. 7. A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. Trampled. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. "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. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. People are feeling afraid. 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. 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. On Monday . "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. PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - First-year Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson received criticism at a school board meeting Monday night for allegedly grabbing an elementary student by two arms in September, along with creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. 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. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. . face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. 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. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. 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. If you are concerned about a child being . 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. 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. To clarify, a vote of no confidence means, a vote showing the majority does not support the policies or leader of the governing body.. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. 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. Crime and Public Safety | I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. 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. 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, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. 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. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. 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. And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. Success. Already have a commenting profile? And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. All rights reserved. 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. Superintendent of Schools (207) 743-8972 h.manchester@msad17.org Steve Ciembroniewicz Assistant Superintendent (207) 743-8972 s.ciembroniewicz@msad17.org Jan Neureuther Chief Student Services Officer (207) 743-8972 j.neureuther@msad17.org Brandy Moore Special Education Assistant Director 207-743-8972 b.moore@msad17.org Debra Hertell All rights reserved. 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. Create one. 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. Calls may be made anonymously. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. 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. 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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. 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. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday. 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. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. "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. Already registered? Please wait for the page to reload. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name.