But here's the thing that the Turtlegram is electing NOT to report - she was driven out of Cambridge in a plagiarism scandal. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We do not take such a vote lightly.. Register for online access, After 48 resignations, Milford school unions take vote of no confidence in superintendent, Manchester Community Music School holds music therapy camp, Deadline extended for student journalism Brodsky Prize, Unitil tour offers students opportunity for career exploration, Bucking a trend: Community college with eyes on a four-year degree, Schools brace for challenges as once-in-a-lifetime cash runs out. More kerfuffles followed when Davis chose not to share the slideshow and according to an email, when she offered to sit down with a parent to discuss the presentation, she refused to comply with the request. In a letter issued on Thursday, school board members said the unions allegations against Superintendent Huizenga were false and called for them to end "negative campaigns" against her. This is one of the first times that the Milford education unions took a vote of no confidence in our educational leader. People think I was thrusted upon them. During the course of these interactions, Morgan claimed, she reached out to "multiple people" in the district, "at least 10 documented instances," after she became concerned with the some of the topics Siegrist was discussing with her, but never received a response. This is about doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable.". Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I am especially proud of the work I have led with my team in developing and implementing a forward-thinking Strategic Plan, the Districts first in 10 years, Huizenga wrote. My hope is that as we continue to evolve, we will learn to work together more effectively to create cohesive and progressive futures., I know weve been trying to get a meeting together to get the evaluation process going,, Id like to think that next year were putting it on the calendar for a proper review., Its very scary because you dont know the feedback that youre going to get. But I think there is more to come on this., There are other school boards and individuals in other districts who behave like this,, There are people out there whose way of expressing concern is to put things up on telephone poles and harass them that way. The purpose of this blog is to share my ideas and experiences with other practitioners in the field of Education for the purposes of collaboration and improvement of the American Education system. Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year. A public relations representative for the district, John Guilfoil, returned a call placed to Davis by the Cabinet. DESE spokeswoman Jacqueline Reis said the state is beginning a search for a Southbridge receiver. We have tasked her with some significant changes for our community, and we can appreciate that there are concerns about that, but we believe these changes will help improve our educational system and we believe those changes have been developed with significant public input, said Carvell. Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson has been leading the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education since June 27, a day after the death of longtime Commissioner Mitchell Chester. Union officials allege that Huizenga is not the educational leader that Milford deserves, claiming she is not vested in the children or the community, that she fails to recognize staffing issues, demonstrates unprofessional behavior and more. She stole someone else's work and didn't cite . They do not know how to build, and they do not know how to turn this district around, he said of the state's intervention. Sarah Gibson joined NHPR's newsroom in 2018. Jessica Huizenga began a leave of absence. Choose wisely! Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. Create a password that only you will remember. After more discussion, the board voted 4-0 to hire a third-party to investigate the matter. I believe I have the full support of the school board and will continue to serve them and everyone in Milford, to the best of my ability, she added. The new contract, executed on Jan. 22, 2020 and signed by Huizenga and Carvell, the superintendent shall receive severance of a maximum of twenty (20) months or the remainder of her salary left under the term of the contract. Considering her yearly salary is $145,690, that is no paltry sum. Her name is Jessica Huizenga, and the state appointed her to be the "receiver" for the Southbridge Public Schools. "This is not about attacking Jenni," she said. I voted with my conscience as I always do, and I felt that at the time of the vote, that I was protecting our district.. Asked Monday, a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spokeswoman did not disclose a reason for Huizenga's resignation or leave of absence. On Thursday, Huizenga told the New Hampshire Union Leader that she will continue to serve the school district and its staff. In a letter, Davis said, I leave with a grateful heart. I am proud to have served this community, and I value the connections we have made, she continued. They were promised certain things. MILFORD - On the heels of school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga's resignation tendered on Dec. 2 (effective July 1, 2021), school board chairman Mike Hannon resigned on Dec. 7, citing his need to focus on health, family and a new job. Siegrist was confronted during a discussion about board conduct and she read from a prepared statement, calling the statements "libelous poison" that were "purely malicious and intended to be spiteful and harmful." I was brought in as an interim. Next week Ill be meeting with DESE for an update, and Im confident that Southbridge is in good hands with Russell Johnston, whos well qualified and has been on the ground since day one, the senator said. During the superintendents report, Huizenga touted social and emotional learning and reading programs throughout various Milford schools. Tonight, is Kevin Drews last meeting, said Carvell. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. He went on to say that the school board values Huizengas contributions, just as it values the contributions by school staff. The violations, she claimed, were communications between herself and Siegrist during the course of nine months, beginning around October 2018, which included numerous phone and personal conversations, hundreds of text messages, and Facebook messages discussing employees Morgan was working with, contract negotiations, employee resignations, lawsuits, and other information that should not have been shared with the general public. When the commissioner's post is vacant, state law charges the board with recommending a candidate to the education secretary. BOSTON - The status of the Southbridge public schools afterits state-appointed receiver resigned last month is on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting, along with the search for a new state education commissioner. After she arrived, Holleigh Ciardelli-Tlapa, another board member, asked her to testify about the situation. I was fairly upset coming into the meeting and very distracted as a result of how this has affected my health, time with family and ability to properly manage a new career at my stage in life.. She also gave her phone to Ciardelli-Tlapa so she could eye some of the text messages between Siegrist and herself. In May, Morgan met with the Diana Fenton, an attorney with the New Hampshire Department of Education, who works in the department's the bureau of governance, to discuss the confidentiality issues. That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. "I wish her well. I didnt want it to look like we were bossing the district around. Morgan said while Siegrist had resigned, it was disappointing that no one from the school district or board had reached out to her about the entire episode before the announcement was made to the general public about the resignation. During this unprecedented pandemic, when the district transitioned from a regular model of education, into remote, into hybrid, back to remote, and then to full in person, she has led her team with strength and adaptability. According to Erdody, Schedin, Walker and Haggett, the proposed changes will not improve school services and were unilaterally decided upon by the superintendent without input from the education community. At the Board's special meeting on August 15, Dr. Johnston will provide an update on the work in Southbridge. Under her guidance, Latinos for Education will continue to oversee and manage local leadership and fellowship programs designed to build a pipeline of education leaders that directly impact student outcomes. 2 min read. She is allegedly some sort of school witch doctor who can magically make Southbridge schools great again. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Nashua officials say schools will hold classes as scheduled Monday, after the school district was hit by whats being called a sophisticated cyber attack., HAMPTON A group of middle schoolers got a first-hand look at life in the utility industry and some may have even found inspiration for a future career during a recent visit to Unitil as part of a unique University of New Hampshire program that helps put many of the states first-generation. This board is not functioning like that., We have a superintendent who cares about kids,, Shes engaged and shes committed. Tlapa went on to say that she that she would not support any request or action that does not have the wellbeing of the student at the forefront of its agenda. They feel like they were promised that.. The secretary can only appoint someone recommended by the board. Huizenga announced her . Cabinet file photos The J. To replace Dr. Proulx, interim Superintendent Jessica Huizenga has tapped Freetown Lakeville Middle School Principal David Patota to fill in until a permanent replacement can be found. In our I want to note, that on the warrant article that was not placed on the ballot, my vote was based on information at hand, and the manner in which it was presented, she said. Our initial committee meetings, where we create the leadership profile, will be held in public. That still hasnt happened. MILFORD, NH The Milford School District will begin looking for a new superintendent after its current leader offered her resignation Wednesday. While Siegrist was not a school employee, in the state of New Hampshire, boards and councils often use the personnel waiver to discuss matters related to the conduct of public officials in non-public session. Copyright The Nashua Telegraph | https://www.nashuatelegraph.com | 110 Main St, Ste 1, Nashua, NH 03060 | 603-882-2741, I was hoping to speak to all of you during non-public as far as my decision, but I have no choice other than to resign my position from the School Board effective immediately., The Milford School Board welcomes Mr. Steve Martin, and Mr. Kevin St. Onge as interim Board members who will be with us until the next election in March of 2021; when one 3-year Board member will be elected, and one 1-year member will be elected., I was really unhappy with the way the board was operating,, That last few months have been difficult with the way theyre doing things and what goals are without thought. The decision comes just days after Christi Michaud, the assistant superintendent of schools for SAU 40, took over as interim superintendent as Jessica Huizenga begins to leave.She resigned from . I used to use them all the time, he said. Huizenga, who has master and doctoral degrees from the UMass Lowell, has been a middle and high school teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of curriculum, assistant superintendent and superintendent in her 20-year educational career. Invalid password or account does not exist. Walker pointed out that Huizengas evaluation was to occur no later than Jan. 1, 2020. Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia NAACP has called for the resignation of the state's chief diversity officer after remarks he made during a speech at the Virginia Military Institute. Some of the interaction between Morgan and Siegrist was posted online by an anonymous person and became an issue a couple of days later, when the Milford School Board met for its regular meeting. First hired in 2018, Jessica Huizenga will serve through the end of June and then, "pursue other opportunities." On May 31, 2017, I notified the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that Senior Associate Commissioner Russell Johnston would serve as interim receiver for the Southbridge Public Schools, as receiver Jessica Huizenga was on a leave of absence. You have permission to edit this article. A question was raised by Milford resident and educator Brenda Walker regarding the evaluation of Milford superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga. The superintendent is simply doing her job to help us with the policy changes that we have made after ample discussions at our public meetings.. Huizenga, who had most recently been an assistant superintendent in Cambridge, was named Southbridge receiver on March 22, 2016, and began working in the role on May 2, 2016. More than 150 union members were recently asked if they are confident in the ability of Dr. Jessica Huizenga, superintendent for SAU 40, to provide effective leadership for Milford schools. GRANDVILLE Protesters gathered outside the Grandville office of U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, Sunday to call for his resignation after Huizenga supported a controversial legal . The improvements include the creation of dozens of new curriculum units, the addition of thousands of books to the elementary schools and middle school, the creation of an alternative school called Southbridge Academy, increased home visits, a new department of social and emotional learning, increased staffing for students who are English language learners, and infrastructure improvements such as increased Wi-Fi and the addition of Chromebooks for students. Chance of rain 40%.. People think I was thrusted upon them. These past two years have been challenging for the MHS community and alongside with each other, we have sought to meet the many challenges with courage, grit, humor and determination., together in the midst of a crisis and have done the very best they could., I am proud to have served this community, and I value the connections we have made,. Already subscribe? At that meeting, she shared her investigatory materials with Fenton, but the attorney informed her that the department did not have any direct oversight of school board members. We are focused on the future and will be creating a superintendent hiring committee to ensure progress forward. Her leadership was particularly evident and greatly admired from her colleagues and to district leadership, as an integral member of our team. The recommendation must be by at least a two-thirds vote, and if the secretary declines to appoint the board's chosen candidate, its members then select a new one. Hannons letter, in part, read: I was hoping to speak to all of you during non-public as far as my decision, but I have no choice other than to resign my position from the School Board effective immediately., I need to focus my time on my family and my new job which will not allow me the time going forward to attend meetings. They also blame her for low staff morale and the resignation of 48 staff. MILFORD - On Monday night Dr. Jessica Huizenga offered a formal entry plan for her first 100 days as Milford interim superintendent of schools, and her first school board meeting showed no sign of the controversy that marked her hiring. Huizenga was the Southbridge School District's receiver for one year until she went on paid administrative leave in June of 2017. And very quickly after that, the board decided to go ahead and make a permanent decision, without putting together a committee, without bringing in other candidates, without giving the choice to other community members and the union and different constituents and stakeholders to have a say in it. They were promised certain things. Receivers carry the broad authority of a superintendent and School Committee. But we need to be demonstrating to our kids that their integrity is more important than winning. AMHERST LaBelle Winery will host a wedding-planning workshop on Feb. 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at LYNDEBOROUGH Saturday, Feb. 4, is National Take Your Child to the Library Day. We could disagree, he added, as long as we disagree with a manner of reasoning. Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In a very short amount of time, she gracefully tackled some significant and important items that have long needed attention, positioning MHS to move forward into the future.. Tlapa added that in hindsight, the board should reexamine its initial vote of preventing the warrant article from appearing on next months ballot. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. I did not disrespect anyone.. Were not following her contract on that.. Dr. Johnston has been working with staff from the Southbridge Public Schools and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to carry out the district turnaround plan. As is usual for a Milford board meeting, during public comments, if an item is not on the evening's agenda, questions pertaining to said issue may not be asked. I didnt want it to look like we were bossing the district around. That students parent, Jamie Morgan, who has been publicly frustrated with some of the school district and school boards policies and conduct, sent an email to the Cabinet which she sent to numerous school representatives, including the school board chair and board members, principal Mike Tenters and Davis. Non-committee members are encouraged to ask questions, contribute their ideas, and provide feedback throughout the process., Working together we will create a better tomorrow and the brightest possible future for every member of our school district and community, always focusing on what is in the best interest of our students.. New Hampshire Public Radio | Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Carvell said this isnt just a problem in Milford; other districts in other cities have had similar problems. Our concerns were many: She left her administration job in Cambridge after being caught plagiarizing; She went to 13 conferences in just 12 months during her tenure in Southbridge, paid for by the taxpayers . Chester was the first, followed by Huizenga. Cabinet file photos Others criticized the unions for their efforts to unseat Huizenga. At a special meeting at the department's headquarters in Malden, the board is scheduled to discuss the search process for Chester's successor and to hear an update from interim Southbridge receiver Russell Johnston. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Jessica L. Huizenga, the assistant superintendent for curriculum in Cambridge Public Schools, was selected by Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester to lead . The chairman just writes the paperwork and gets authority to sign things and facilitates meetings. That chain of events was among factors that played a rolein the states consideration for taking over management of Southbridge schools at the time. Liked by Jessica Huizenga, Ed.D This is an unprecedented and difficult moment for Houston parents, educators, and students as they wonder about the future of their schools. The Milford school board announced on Thursday that it will not fulfill a request by the local teachers' union to fire and replace the district's superintendent, Jessica Huizenga. Cline did not return an email to Patch about the matter. Cabinet file photos Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. Ultimately each border member must vote with their own conscience. Copyright The Cabinet Press | https://www.cabinet.com | 167 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055 | 603-673-3100, In Jessicas contract, since were trying to follow the contracts a little better, it says that she will be evaluated no later than Jan. 1 (2020),, That still hasnt happened. And thats the way the board should function. School Committee member Scott S. Lazo, in noting that Ms. Huizenga hadnt held a permanent superintendent job before coming to Southbridge, asserted that Ms. Huizenga, was set up to fail the day she landed;its called inexperience., Town Manager Ronald San Angelo said of the announcement: At least it takes us out of this limbo situation, which is a little frustrating for everyone., Mr. San Angelo added that Southbridge would like the state to find somebody that is going to stay for a long period of time.. Give today. Union representatives say they have met with the superintendent more than 20 times to discuss concerns, but no resolutions have occurred. There are other school boards and individuals in other districts who behave like this, he said. The board was scheduled to meet Monday but postponed that meeting until Aug. 28, "to provide the board time to determine next steps in accordance with our policy," he added. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. We do not take such a vote lightly., Were not following her contract on that., The way I was appointed is a big problem. After receiving no response from the district, Morgan took Fenton's recommendation and circled back to the NH DOE, emailing Commissioner Frank Edelblut, as well as Drew Cline, the chairman of the State Board of Education, in mid-June, making them aware of her accusation against Siegrist, sending them a PDF of text messages compiled by her cellphone company, and asking for help. Huizenga said she has sought and received significant input from staff and the community throughout this process. . As is usual for a Milford board meeting, during public comments, if an item is not on the evenings agenda, questions pertaining to said issue may not be asked. And thats the way the board should function. With that in hand, Jessica is yesterdays news. We will ensure there is a careful, deliberate search, and there will be an opportunity in the beginning stages for community members to say what qualities the district's next leader should possess. We must strive to incorporate feedback directly from the superintendent, district employees, administrators, parents, and students, she said. Its mind boggling the amount of time that people are spending going after her., I am especially proud of the work I have led with my team in developing and implementing a forward-thinking Strategic Plan, the Districts first in 10 years,, She wants to stay in Milford and do her job,, Thats her passion. I was really unhappy with the way the board was operating, he said. According to a student, Davis commented that even Adolph Hitler had goals, though his were evil. Today is Public Media Giving Days. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizenga and others you may know. I didnt speak out of turn. And I left because of this whole thing that was transpiring. The statement cited progress in the Southbridge schools over the past year, including the creation of new curriculum units, the addition of thousands of books to the elementary schools and middle school, and increased staffing for students learning English. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. I did not cry foul. According to a release, 99 percent of the union members answered no. They praised Huizenga for implementing their vision and said she will continue in her post. That last few months have been difficult with the way theyre doing things and what goals are without thought. Were worse off now than when the state took us over. That motion failed by a 2-2 vote. We are putting decorum over . "Dr. Johnston has been working with staff from the Southbridge Public Schools and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to carry out the district turnaround plan," Wulfson wrote. Hello! The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Ms. Huizengas resignation Thursday. Johnston, the department's senior associate commissioner, stepped in to the Southbridge post on an interim basis when Jessica Huizenga began a leave of absence on May 31. Siegrist later resigned. MILFORD In a district that has been mired by problems, Milford High School principal Chali Davis, who was hired in July 2019, resigned on Monday, effective June 30. A few weeks later, Morgan said she emailed School Superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga asking for information on how to file a formal grievance. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Advertisement: "Because Sen. Feinstein was absent, the Senate overturned a Biden rule that would cut pollution from heavy-duty trucks and causes harm to people's lungs. Huizenga resigned from her post in early December 2020. In the past, Huizenga was met with resistance by residents in attendance of school board meetings, many of whom were wearing, Milford Strong t-shirts. In response to the concerns, I want to say that I am doing the job that I have been directed to do by the Milford School Board, which has involved a number of changes that are needed and in the best interest of students, she said. Huizenga's original Jan. 8, 2019 contract, . Davis served as assistant principal in Concord, New Hampshire for three years before entering the Milford school system, where she headed the English, English Language Learners and Reading departments. I did not disrespect anyone., as long as we disagree with a manner of reasoning. But I think there is more to come on this.. By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON But DESE, in a statement, said Southbridge Public Schools took many strides toward serving students better the past year under Ms. Huizenga. I think what the community is doing to the school district was horrible. Huizenga is exceptionally qualified and the best fit for Milford schools, Milford School Board Chairman Ron Carvell said in a press release announcing the appointment. Ronald Carvell, chairman of the Milford School Board, said the board fully supports the superintendent, adding board members have investigated each of the allegations brought forward by the Milford educational unions. I believe that its imperative that we complete an evaluation and should have prior to making any contractual modifications. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Peak tick season is getting started in NH. Siegrist did not return a phone call for comment about the matter. Tlapa said that superintendent evaluations should be quarterly or at least bi-annually.
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