PARIS — Oxford Hills School District directors voted Tuesday night to lease a new school bus for $102,000.
Operations Committee Chairman Lew Williams of Hebron said the committee considered not taking the bus because it has a gas engine and diesels are preferred. However, the bus was ordered by a previous administration and the committee ultimately recommended honoring the contract with Gorham Savings Leasing Group.
A policy on use of private vehicles for school business was tabled after Policy Committee Chairwoman Judy Green of Waterford said Superintendent Monica Henson made several edits to the policy that vary from Maine School Management Association recommendations. Green thought it would be appropriate to revisit the policy in committee and reconsider aligning it more closely with the association’s guidance.
The board unanimously passed the first reading of a workplace bullying policy, including definitions, exclusions, reporting and investigations, disciplinary action, appeals, retaliation and responsibility for implementation.
Heather Manchester, second from left, acting superintendent of Maine School Administrative District 17, takes notes Tuesday at the board of directors meeting in Paris. From left are Executive Secretary Debra Hertell, Manchester, board Chairwoman Natalie Andrews of West Paris and Vice Chairman Jared Cash of Norway. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat
In her first meeting as acting superintendent, Heather Manchester reported that five days into her appointment, she had prioritized face-to-face meetings with Central Office staff and has set twice-weekly meetings with the district’s executive team.
Directors unanimously appointed Manchester, the chief curriculum officer for Maine School Administrative District 17, as acting superintendent Jan. 31, five days after Henson was placed on paid administrative leave.
Henson, who was hired in July 2021, is under investigation by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office after allegations that she improperly physically restrained a child at Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris last September. She was placed on leave Jan. 26.
Manchester thanked faculty, staff and the Oxford Hills community for the outpouring of support she had received as she starts the transition to her new responsibilities. She singled out former Assistant Superintendent Patrick Hartnett for his ongoing assistance, noting the benefits of his previous mentorship and his availability for guidance.
The board welcomed new director Kitty Winship of Waterford, who succeeds Barry Patrie, who resigned last fall.
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