Edelblut replied via email that he had forwarded her materials to Fenton, the attorney Morgan met with the previous month to discuss her initial allegations. 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. There are people out there whose way of expressing concern is to put things up on telephone poles and harass them that way. Officials say psychiatric unit resident died after fight with guards; officers on leave. Since Dr. Huizenga joined the Milford School District, employees have been reporting extremely low morale, frustration, increased stress and confusion resulting from a poor working relationship with our educational leader, which has created an atmosphere of mistrust throughout the district, they stated. My hope is that as we continue to evolve, we will learn to work together more effectively to create cohesive and progressive futures.. Carvell said this isnt just a problem in Milford; other districts in other cities have had similar problems. We do not take such a vote lightly.. Fellow board member Mike Hannon said echoed Tlapas sentiment. 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. A right-to-know request was made for the presentation-in-question, but was rejected by the district and the school board. Stirring conversations about big bucks and a whammy, Huizengas original Jan. 8, 2019 contract, under line 10, termination without cause, specified that, the district shall pay to the superintendent, in a lump sum as severance pay, the salary and the value of the fringe benefits that she would have earned under this contract up to a maximum of (6) months.. I left because I wasnt going to be part of destroying a town. That person has no more authority than any other board member., Ill sit here and be very respectful in my last term,, I didnt speak out of turn. Would you like to receive our daily news? That motion failed by a 2-2 vote. The school board is primarily tasked with protecting our students and our district. I didnt speak out of turn. 2023 www.telegram.com. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. I did not bark thunder. She reports on education and demographics. In May 2019, after 48 staff resignations, Milford school unions took a vote of "no confidence" in Huizenga, asking officials to search for a replacement. Because I dont look as the chair as being the boss of the district. At the Board's special meeting on August 15, Dr. Johnston will provide an update on the work in Southbridge. According to a student, Davis commented that even Adolph Hitler had goals, though his were evil. Siegrist did not return a phone call for comment about the matter. They allege Huizenga has made drastic changes without input from staff, including introducing new teacher evaluations, reappropriating Title I funds, and spending $80,000 on consulting services. We strive to learn from our mistakes and incorporate essential feedback from our constituents. The J. Former board chairman Ron Carvell, who recently resigned as well as a member of the school board, said his own decision to resign was for a couple of reasons. 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. "Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year.". When the commissioner's post is vacant, state law charges the board with recommending a candidate to the education secretary. Thats her passion. Sony Previews 14 Minutes of 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' at CinemaCon "How you wear the mask is what makes you a hero," says Shameik Moore, who voices Miles Morales/Spider-Man. This board is not functioning like that., We have a superintendent who cares about kids,, Shes engaged and shes committed. "This is not about attacking Jenni," she said. 10 election. NHPR is nonprofit and independent. In doing so, I have sought and received significant input from staff and the community.". Ultimately each border member must vote with their own conscience. The announcement comes after months of controversy over Huizenga, who joined the district last year after what teachers says was an unfair hiring process lacking community input. MILFORD On the heels of school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizengas 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. 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. 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. 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. The announcement . A program at White Mountains Community College and a continuing partnership between Goodwill Northern New England and Southern New Hampshire University are being touted as ways to address the ongoing teacher shortage in the Granite State. And thats the way the board should function. It was alleged that Huizenga made drastic changes without input from staff, including reappropriating Title I funds and spending $80,000 on consulting services. Jessica L. Huizenga resigned from her $175 A former receiver of the Southbridge public schools is a finalist for superintendent in Lynn, an urban district of about 16,000 students north of Boston. Cabinet file photos Jessica Huizenga is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizinga and others you may know. Johnston is the third receiver in Southbridge. Ms. Huizengagave a written statement to the newspaper. 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. A-Z Site Index | Policies | Contact Webmaster. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Cabinet file photos Milford school board meetings in the last year and half have often become heated, during public comments and sometimes between board members themselves. They were promised certain things. With that in hand, Jessica is yesterdays news. 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), Walker said. Were not following her contract on that.. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. Already subscribe? And not just with wild, personal attacks., I thought I would be able to support the community of Milford from whatever seat I was in,, Because I dont look as the chair as being the boss of the district. "We have had over 20 meetings with the Superintendent to work through these issues," said Suzanne Schedin, vice president of the Milford Teachers' Association. 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. State staff will interview candidates and make a recommendation to acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson, who will make the final decision, Ms. Reis said. Morgan said she met with him on July 16, and emailed him investigatory materials from the case but didn't know the status of the investigation. Why dont we just hire someone with experience who can go to work?. In a phone interview, Huizenga said she went on leave because of a family matter and ultimately decided to resign because of the three-hour daily commute between her home in Burlington . In May 2019, after 48 staff resignations, Milford school unions took a vote of no confidence in Huizenga, asking officials to search for a replacement. 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. But we need to be demonstrating to our kids that their integrity is more important than winning. I did not cry foul. I left because I wasnt going to be part of destroying a town. 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.. In a letter to the public, unions representing teachers, aides, and building-and-grounds staff announced a "no-confidence" vote in Huizenga - a rare move for the unions. Huizenga said she has sought and received significant input from staff and the community throughout this process. I didnt want it to look like we were bossing the district around. Partly cloudy skies this evening. Hello! People think I was thrusted upon them. 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. Ill sit here and be very respectful in my last term, he said. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizenga and others you may know. Cabinet file photos Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. And thats the way the board should function. And I left because of this whole thing that was transpiring. But DESE, in a statement, said Southbridge Public Schools took many strides toward serving students better the past year under Ms. Huizenga. Jacqueline Reis, the department's media relations coordinator, said the department staff is searching for a new receiver and "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. Southbridge is an impoverished shithole whose teachers don't get paid nearly enough, because their jobs are much harder than teachers in affluent communities. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. They were promised certain things. Its mind boggling the amount of time that people are spending going after her., In Huizengas letter of resignation, she stated that she was grateful to the community for their support and their shared desire to improve our schools.. Thats still hasnt happened, Walker said at the time. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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 . 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." Chester's salary, which was set by the board, was $238,208 last fiscal year. Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year. 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. 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. 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. Prior to taking over management of Southbridge,a district review in October 2015 said Southbridges administrative leadership was unstable, with seven superintendents serving since 2010. 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. And not just with wild, personal attacks.. 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. In a statement from Huizenga on Tuesday that was sent to staff and families, she wrote, in part: "I'm writing to let you know that Ms. Chali Davis has informed me of her decision to resign from her position as Principal of Milford High School effective, June 30, 2021. 10 election. Jessica Huizenga is on Facebook. Carvell said as a board member, his ideology was that the board members should respect one another and function properly. We could disagree, he added, as long as we disagree with a manner of reasoning. 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. Low 43F. I hope the state learns a lesson on whats good for small communities, are not dictatorships. Dr. Huizenga was the Southbridge School District's receiver for one year until she went on paid administrative leave in June of 2017. 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. Union representatives say they have met with the superintendent more than 20 times to discuss concerns, but no resolutions have occurred. There are only three districts in Massachusetts under receivership. I am the Principal at Blanchard Middle School in Westford, Massachusetts, and this is my blog. New Hampshire Public Radio | I did not cry foul. That last few months have been difficult with the way theyre doing things and what goals are without thought. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is facing fresh calls to resign after her extended absenceand Sen. Joe Manchin's inclination to partner with Republicansled to the Wednesday passage of a resolution to roll back Biden administration emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. I believe that its imperative that we complete an evaluation and should have prior to making any contractual modifications. Huizenga clarified that the nearly $40,000 of what the union called "consulting services" was for a strategic planning process, at the request of the board, whose current plan dates back to 2010. The article in question was properly completed from petitioners and the board received it on Jan 14. I know weve been trying to get a meeting together to get the evaluation process going, he said. "There seems to be no bar low enough for the slanderers to stoop," Siegrist said. A public relations representative for the district, John Guilfoil, returned a call placed to Davis by the Cabinet. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Holyoke and Lawrence are the others. On Thursday, Huizenga told the New Hampshire Union Leader that she will continue to serve the school district and its staff. The acting commissioner also thanked educators and staff who worked within the district and with families and the community to bring about these improvements. Huizenga did not respond to a request for comment about the resignation or investigation. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. There has been a buzz about the oval, since a question was largely raised about a petition warrant article that was submitted to the school board but did not make the ballot for the Mar. That chain of events was among factors that played a rolein the states consideration for taking over management of Southbridge schools at the time. 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. I want to talk about the kids. Jessica Huizenga was appointed to take over this district. They were promised a process. 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. And she is not looking to sweep things under the rug. Jaime Morgan, a technology support employee at the school for three years, requested an investigation with the district and the state concerning a possible violation of RSA 42:1a, a breach of confidentiality of town officials and their oaths. In a statement from Huizenga on Tuesday that was sent to staff and families, she wrote, in part: Im writing to let you know that Ms. Chali Davis has informed me of her decision to resign from her position as Principal of Milford High School effective, June 30, 2021. . In accepting Ms. Huizengas resignation, the acting commissioner thanked Ms. Huizenga for her efforts in the district. You have permission to edit this article. "Mrs. Siegrist served on the Milford School Board tirelessly for the past two years, and her contributions to the continuous improvement of our school system are greatly appreciated," he noted. Netflix has confirmed Season 6 of Black Mirror, unveiled trailer and launch date, and revealed a bumper cast list featuring Aaron Paul, Kate Mara, Michael Cera and Salma Hayek Pinault. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. They also blame her for low staff morale and the resignation of 48 staff. 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 . 1:00. "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. MILFORD After 48 resignations, the local education unions have issued a no confidence vote in the school districts superintendent and are asking school officials to begin a search for her replacement. By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON The unions, however, argue that in less than a year with the district, Huizenga has proposed and is implementing drastic changes to programs at all of the schools, special education services and Title I. She stole someone else's work and didn't cite . The board held a nonpublic school board meeting on Aug. 15, "RSA 91-A:3II (a) Personnel," which allows for officials to discuss "the dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted.". Asked Monday, a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education spokeswoman did not disclose a reason for Huizenga's resignation or leave of absence.
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