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Monica Henson is accused of grabbing a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School last September. Andrews said the executive session would be on the next meetings agenda. OHEA would like to report that there was an overwhelming response to support a vote of no confidence for Dr. Henson. WE WANT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR STAFF SAFE. Oxford Hills school board names Heather Manchester as acting 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 second incident was witnessed by Agnes Gray educator Karin Puiia who was on the public comment list for the evening. Parents and staff are concerned about Superintendent Monica Henson, who has been in the role since July 2021. 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. It should not be allowed at all. Andrews told Jordan that she would be allowed to finish her statement if she spoke in broad general strokes without specific references. School board chair Natalie Andrews said Monica Henson's resignation was . Letter from Superintendent - August 27, 2021 There are concerns that staff just feel like when they try to express something, it just gets dismissed. Update: Maine DHHS, Oxford County Sheriff investigating MSAD 17 They said they are happy the school board is listening and will be holding an open forum to share more of their concerns. IN I. T. THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THEY WILL PAY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT MONICA HENSON .. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday interviews will start at 6:30 p.m., at Oxford Middle School. Copyright 2022 TheAssociated Press. 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. 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. Crime and Public Safety | PORTLAND A Maine superintendent who resigned amid multiple investigations into her conduct will get a serious payout from the Oxford Hills School District. OXFORD, Maine (AP) A school superintendent accused of improperly restraining a student at an elementary school last year has resigned. Or email them to: d.hertell@msad17.org . "We take those accusations very seriously," Jordan added. DA won't prosecute Oxford Hills superintendent accused of restraining Login. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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 WENT ON TO FORCEFULLY DENY EVERY ONE OF THE 27 COMPLAINTS GIVEN LT AS NIGHT. There are concerns about COVID and how that's being handled. "There are some vocal constituencies, but I don't think they represent the majority of the staff. Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Teachers Association, speaks Tuesday night to School Administrative District 17 directors meeting in Paris. That forum has not yet been scheduled. She now covers COVID-related issues and northern Oakland County. 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. They will also pay her $5,500 in legal fees. Create one. She said the union overwhelmingly passed a vote no confidence for Superintendent Monica Henson on Jan. 11. 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. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. 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. Dr. Henson's full rebuttal statement can be found here. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Oxford Hills teachers cast vote of no confidence for superintendent - WCSH 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. Parents are still concerned. Please wait for the page to reload. I am a mom and grandmother, Morgan said. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. Don't have a commenting profile? And as far as were aware, theres been no investigation on that, and thats very concerning to us. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Paula Pasche has worked in a variety of positions, including 32 years as a sports writer, since she joined The Oakland Press. His motion was seconded and approved by the board. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. 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. 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. "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. Jeni, I am going to have to stop you there, Andrews said. The complaints were brought to the school board in a meeting Tuesday.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. Published: Apr. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris interrupted Jordan. 232 Main Street. If you are concerned about a child being . She gave no reason for removing him from his coaching job. We have had no issues with bullying, Arntsen said. "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." 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. On Thursday a meeting will be held to narrow the list of five to two or three finalists. Credit: CBS 13/WGME. Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson has been accused of assaulting a student at Agnes Gray Elementary School. The superintendent of Oxford Hills schools has resigned amid allegations that she assaulted a student last year. Copyright 2022 WMTW. Id like to take a moment to clarify. PARIS, Maine No confidence. Jordan also claimed that students fear the superintendent and are being treated unfairly. "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. AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING TO US. 5, 2022 at 3:20 AM PDT. 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. face shields may be an alternative for those students with documented medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. Addressing the situation with Chickering, Henson wrote in her statement that while she had removed a stipended coaching assignment from the teacher she had not not terminated him. Already have a commenting profile? 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. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat. IN RETURN FOR HER RESIATGNION AND PROMISE TO FILE NO CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. 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. Oxford Hills School Board Chair Natalie Andrews told NEWS CENTER Maine the vote was unanimous. "There's a lot of fear," Jordan said. The chief curriculum officer is the unanimous choice to lead while Monica Henson is on paid administrative leave. She's not the only one who said they're having trouble with the district and Henson. Theres a lot of fear, Jordan said. She has instituted a number of options I will be glad to share with the board in private session.. 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.