Heather was the person that came to everyones mind for that, as well as having the credentials. Hazel Park man ordered to trial in boxcutter attack Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Log in to join the discussion. Don't have a commenting profile? Jewish Michigan lawmaker says threats are constant PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. So far, no criminal charges have been filed. "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. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several area cities DHHs officials also confirm that they were at the school Tuesday conducting their own interview. There have been zero grievances lodged against me with the Board for any contract violations. "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. NO CONFIDENCE | thats what the teachers union in MSAD 17 says about its superintendent #NEWSCENTERmaine pic.twitter.com/uzLRdRSuHS. Henson responded in writing to the concerns the following day. She is alleged to have attempted to pull the student into her office after an incident in the school cafeteria. 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. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. Oxford Hills School District will be a bully-free zone, effective immediately. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. The school board launched an investigation into the matter and put Henson on paid administrative leave. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Henson's resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. To date, no letters have been received during either the first or second quarter.. One child was recently injured while in school. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. Crime and Public Safety | Find Us . 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. The official Facebook Page of the fifth-largest school district in Maine. Nicole Carter. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. 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. 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. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining a child resigns After just six months on the job, Superintendent Monica Henson was placed on administrative leave Jan. 26, following. All rights reserved. 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. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. 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 . 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. 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. It seems the superintendent doesnt understand what the grievance procedure is used for, which (is limited to) contractual disputes.. Oxford Hills Superintendent Monica Hensons resignation was unanimously accepted Monday night after School Administrative District 17s directors gave her a unanimous no confidence vote. ACCORDING TO THE RESIGNATION AGREEMENT WE OBTAINED.. HENSON AGREES THAT SHE WILL COOPERATE AND MAKE HERSELF AVAILABLE SHOULD ANY LEGAL CLAIM BE FILED AGAINST THE DISTRI. The last speaker was Eric Bennett of Oxford, the father of the student at the center of the controversy. 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. Maine Superintendent Accused of Restraining Child Resigns. The reaction of the childs parents contrasts with Dr. Hensons statement last week defending herself against the list of complaints given to the board against her. Waterbury Superintendent Verna Ruffin. "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. Already have a commenting profile? You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. 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. On Monday . Other teachers and association representatives added their statements, but the chairman did not allow them to voice specific complaints. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. 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.. Statement on the OHEA No Confidence Vote by sunjournal on Scribd. The agreement also bars the district and Henson from talking about the situation publicly. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. While her granddaughter is back in the classroom, she and other parents are frustrated. CT SHE HAD BEEN ON PAID LEAVE SINCE JANUARY OVER ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE PULLED AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT BY THE ARMS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. 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. 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. 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. For themselves, for their jobs and for retaliation against students in the schools. "The biggest concern is that there's an accusation of physical contact and verbal intimidation of students," Jordan said. 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. Jordan said that there were a number of teachers, administrators, and students who witnessed this alleged interaction. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. Tentatively board action to hire the new superintendent will happen March 14, with March 28 tentatively set for the first day of work. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. Oxford Hills also agreed to pay $5,500 for her lawyer fees. The agreement was presented to Henson and she resigned on Monday. Staff have claimed that previously authorized time off has been revoked and that requests for leave are inconsistently approved, even when doctors notes are provided. The same limitations were applied to parents. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. Last week on Jan. 11, the OHEA held its regular monthly meeting, Jordan told directors. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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). A phone number could not be located for Henson, and she didn't immediately respond to electronic messages. 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. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. 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 possibly referencing Clarkes letter of resignation Dec. 23, which the Advertiser Democrat has published online. She said she asked for observing rights for her and her son's clinician, which was allowed by the previous superintendent. 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. The Oxford Hills Teachers Union held its regular meeting on January 11 where a record number of people attended to participate in the vote. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. On Wednesday, Feb. 2, an interview is set for Todd Bidlack, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Bloomfield Hills School. The Oxford Hills School District has agreed to pay their former superintendent Monica Henson $174,500. Oxford Hills Education Association Concerns by sunjournal on Scribd. The Foundation has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships since 1999. (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. The full list of the OHEA's complaints can be found here. 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. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. Calls may be made anonymously. According to the agreement WMTW obtained, Henson agrees she will cooperate and make herself available should any legal claim be filed against the district. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . On Monday, they unanimously appointed her acting superintendent. Maine DHHS confirms its investigation is also complete. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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. ?27 COMPLAINTS WERE BROUGHT TO THEOA BRD LT AS NIGHT AT A MEETING, BUT THE MOST SERIOUS COMPLAINT INVOLVED AN INCIDENT AT AGNES GRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER WHEN DR. HENSON ALLEGEDLY P UT HER HANDS ON A STUDENT AGGRESSIVELY, SOMETHING THE TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT SAYS HAS BEEN LARGELY IGNORED TO THIS POINT. 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 . THE AGREEMENT STATES THAT THE DISTRICT WILL PAY HENSON 1- HUNDRED - 74 THOUSAND AND 500 DOLLARSN I EXCHANGE FOR THAT. Henson had been on paid leave since January over allegations she pulled an elementary student by their arms in September. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. "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 AGREEMENT ALSO BARS THE DISTRICT AND HENSON FROM TALKING ABOUT THIS PUBLIC. Her statements received pushback from current Grey faculty. 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. Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. That includes the resignation agreement where the district said it would pay Henson $174,500. That is it. Success. We want our students and our staff safe. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. "And as far as we're aware, there's been no investigation on that, and that's very concerning to us. 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..