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. Much of the anger was rooted in the resignation of Agnes Gray Elementary Schools longtime principal , Beth Clarke, late last year. The Oxford County District Attorneys Office said the issue was sent off to another agency and the case is still under review. In all of my years here I have never seen the culture of the district soured in just six months. Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation | MSAD 17 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. "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. DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. 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. The Oxford Hills Scholarship Foundation was established in 1998 and has benefited from Three donations of $1,000,000 each from Robert and Sandra Bahre. 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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. Staff | MSAD 17 If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. 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. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. Oxford Hills superintendent on paid leave following student assault Oxford Hills school school to pay former superintendent $174K - WMTW ? Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. 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. Jordan was followed by Dennis Boyd, grievance chairman for the union. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities 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. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. The Oxford Hills School District. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. All Rights Reserved. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. THE AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Educators at the school say the Oxford County Sheriffs Office was there Tuesday conducting interviews about the incident. 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.. Already have a commenting profile? 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. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting And for her to be making those accusations, she has stepped one day in our school one day. Monica Henson had been on leave for months before she resigned from Oxford Hills early last week. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. "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.". 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. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns - US News On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Please wait for the page to reload. She is a disabled child, and her rights have been trampled on. Matolcsy said her son, who has Down syndrome, lost a tooth during an incident in his classroom. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. My blood is boiling. Don't have a commenting profile? They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Included on Tuesdays agenda was a request for the board to approve Hensons selection of Cathy Bickford as permanent principal of Agnes Gray. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how thats being handled. 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. 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 Hebron Station School Principal Donald Thorne was chosen for the former and accountant Carrie Colley for the latter. 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. 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West Bloomfield man sentenced to 65-year prison term in Indiana 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. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. Once youve said that we have to follow our grievance procedure. Three parents addressed the board, two with children with disabilities who they said are not receiving proper support. Oxford Hills School District directors listen Monday night to Eric Bennett about his. Copyright 2022 WABI. The police presence was allegedly requested by fearful staff and parents. And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. "THE BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THERE'S AN ACCUSATI ON OF PHYSICAL CONTACT AND VERBAL INTIMIDATION TO STUDENTS. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. 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. She was placed on leave Jan. 26. Already registered? That review recently came to an end. For more information, visit maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Weekly news from Oxford County and the Norway region, delivered every Thursday at 5 a.m. However, when Puiia attempted to address the board she was told by Andrews that specific details could not be shared publicly at that time. Id like to take a moment to clarify. THE AGREEMENT WAS PRESENTED TO HENSON.. D AN SHE RESIGNED THIS PAST MONDAY. The situation occurred Sept. 7 and involved a food fight between students at lunch and an incident with a distressed student. 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. 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. Monica Henson had been on leave. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. The alleged incident happened Sept. 9 at Agnes Grey Elementary School, where Henson was filling in as principal for the day. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. 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. 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. 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. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. Nicole Carter. All rights reserved. School Resource police officers from the district were at the Tuesday Board of Directors meeting. 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 gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. Tensions erupt at SAD 17 board meeting over no-confidence vote of Please subscribe or login first for digital access. 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. That they would say that shes the lowest ranking when her staff are behind her 100% and always has been.. 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. THEY WILL ALSO PAY HER 5,500 DOLLARS IN HER LEGAL FEES. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. 27 . The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant Oxford Hills School District 232 Main Street South Paris, ME 04281 Phone: 207-743-8972 Fax: (207) 743-2878 Don't have a commenting profile? 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. 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. 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. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. by CBS 13 January 25, 2022. MSAD 17 | Home South Paris ME, 04281. 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. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. You dont file a grievance if someone is a bad leader, he said. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Parents who spoke to NEWS CENTER Maine say they are also concerned. Monica Henson, the former Oxford Hills School District superintendent, was filling in as principal at Agnes Gray Elementary and is accused of grabbing a student by the arm and pulling him into an . "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." I implore this board to take everything that you are hearing this evening from everyone here extremely seriously, Matolcsy said. 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. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. JORDAN SAYS SHE HOPES TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE SURE STAFF AND. 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 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. Months ago Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne announced his retirement that was due to happen in January. In cases of bullying, the Superintendent will monitor situations that are not being resolved at the school level and guide the process if necessary. The crowd included employees and others who had to stand in the hallway. Here we are four months later and her rights are still being trampled on.. 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 school superintendent interviews this week open to public "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Henson did not address the September incident during Mondays meeting. 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. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. I recommend that we make Cathy the permanent principal. The teachers union also recently sent a vote of no confidence to the school board. Oxford Hills Superintendent under fire at school board meeting - WABI-TV 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. Oxford Hills School District agrees to pay $174K to resigning Oxford Hills School District -- Letter from Superintendent - August 27 It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. It's 'Read Across America' week in Oxford Hills That's what the union representing teachers in the Oxford Hills School District said about Superintendent Monica Henson when they put it to a vote. 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 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. Oxford Hills School District -- Oxford Hills School District | Aude PARIS, Maine (WMTW) - The Oxford Hills school board voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson. Bickford had stepped into the role temporarily when Clarke took a medical leave during the fall. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. All rights reserved. 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. 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.