jessica huizenga resignation
We are putting decorum over . But here's the thing that the Turtlegram is electing NOT to report - she was driven out of Cambridge in a plagiarism scandal. Today is Public Media Giving Days. Milford school board meetings in the last year and half have often become heated, during public comments and sometimes between board members themselves. Mr. Lazo was part of a School Committee in 2015 that appointed Steven B. Bliss to the superintendency without a traditional search process. But Mr. Lazo, the School Committee member, suggested that the sooner Southbridge is out of receivership, the better off it will be. First hired in 2018, Jessica Huizenga will serve through the end of June and then, "pursue other opportunities." Even after I wasnt the chairman any longer, I took the position after they made a move that was very pre-planned. A public relations representative for the district, John Guilfoil, returned a call placed to Davis by the Cabinet. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. Huizenga's original Jan. 8, 2019 contract, . 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. "There seems to be no bar low enough for the slanderers to stoop," Siegrist said. . 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. This decision comes with a heavy heart as I really have enjoyed being on the board and meeting so many great people in our community. Scroll down People think I was thrusted upon them. Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Support the Public Media you love! Because I dont look as the chair as being the boss of the district. Walker pointed out that Huizengas evaluation was to occur no later than Jan. 1, 2020. According to a release, 99 percent of the members answered in the negative. I find it deeply concerning that any superintendent would request a contract modification in the middle of a term and I would not support such a request without having performed a thorough evaluation and without having the utmost confidence that such an action would be in the best interest of the students and the district.. At the Board's special meeting on August 15, Dr. Johnston will provide an update on the work in Southbridge. "We have had over 20 meetings with the Superintendent to work through these issues," said Suzanne Schedin, vice president of the Milford Teachers' Association. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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 committee will be discussed at our upcoming meeting on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at the Milford High School lecture hall. You have permission to edit this article. I agree that we need to implement a thorough review process, she said. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Ms. Huizengas resignation Thursday. Siegrist later resigned. I did not bark thunder. I believe that its imperative that we complete an evaluation and should have prior to making any contractual modifications. 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. 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. Cabinet file photos Hello! They also blame her for low staff morale and the resignation of 48 staff. 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. She called Morgan "a disgruntled past employee" and said they didn't provide "any accurate representation of any private or confidential communication that I may have had with (her).". Jenni Siegrist resigned Sunday, according to Ron Carvell, the chairman of the Milford School Board. 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.. Dr. The secretary can only appoint someone recommended by the board. Huizenga said she has sought and received significant input from staff and the community throughout this process. 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. 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. We believe this is all happening due to the superintendents actions in her short tenure, said the release. "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. The chairman just writes the paperwork and gets authority to sign things and facilitates meetings. 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. In a letter, Davis said, I leave with a grateful heart. There are people out there whose way of expressing concern is to put things up on telephone poles and harass them that way. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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. When the commissioner's post is vacant, state law charges the board with recommending a candidate to the education secretary. Siegrist's resignation comes at a tumultuous time for the district and board as it faces questions about the hiring of Huizenga, resignations in the district, and contentious meetings during the . I'm Jessica Huizenga. But if you do trust them and want to improve your opportunity, because no one gets an A+ on a review, theres always room for improvement., Kevin has been a solid board member in any role hes played in our educational system.. 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. 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. 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. I did not disrespect anyone.. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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. 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.. Southbridge is an impoverished shithole whose teachers don't get paid nearly enough, because their jobs are much harder than teachers in affluent communities. She began serving on May 2, 2016, and was placed on paid administrative leave, without explanation, on May 31 of this year. Im proud of what weve accomplished in the Southbridge Public Schools particularly a renewed focus on outstanding teaching and learning, and new opportunities and pathways for students in partnership with educators, families, and the community, Ms. Huizenga said. 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. They feel like they were promised that.. 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. When you have such a high amount of ratchetry concentrated in one . After she arrived, Holleigh Ciardelli-Tlapa, another board member, asked her to testify about the situation. Carvell said as a board member, his ideology was that the board members should respect one another and function properly. 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. When the state placed the district into receivership, state officials cited a high turnover rate among superintendents and principals in the district and continued underperformance as factors. A question was raised by Milford resident and educator Brenda Walker regarding the evaluation of Milford superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga. The State Board of Education could be requested to perform an investigation, Fenton said. 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 . 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 . Jessica Huizenga began a leave of absence. MILFORD - Dr. Jessica Huizenga, an educator who most recently served as a state-appointed receiver for a failing Massachusetts school district has been picked to be Milford's interim superintendent. Sagan is suggesting a 10 percent raise to $184,827.50, effective June 27 until Wulfson concludes his service in the role. She stole someone else's work and didn't cite . A-Z Site Index | Policies | Contact Webmaster. That last few months have been difficult with the way theyre doing things and what goals are without thought. 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. I thought I would be able to support the community of Milford from whatever seat I was in, Carvell shared. Chester was the first, followed by Huizenga. By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON 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. 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. 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. It was alleged that Huizenga made drastic changes without input from staff, including reappropriating Title I funds and spending $80,000 on consulting services. 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.. 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. In March, we may have new members on this board, she said. Tlapa said that superintendent evaluations should be quarterly or at least bi-annually. According to a student, Davis commented that even Adolph Hitler had goals, though his were evil. It wasnt in the best interest of the town., Even after I wasnt the chairman any longer, I took the position after they made a move that was very pre-planned. 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. 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. A few weeks later, Morgan said she emailed School Superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga asking for information on how to file a formal grievance. MILFORD, NH A Milford School Board member tendered her resignation after two years on the board amid a misconduct investigation into confidential employee information in the school district being shared with the public. SOUTHBRIDGE Underscrutiny for years because of rampant turnover at the top, the school district is againin search of aleader after the resignation of state-appointed receiverJessica L. Huizenga. 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. NHPR is nonprofit and independent. I didnt speak out of turn. Chester's salary, which was set by the board, was $238,208 last fiscal year. 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. Johnston is the third receiver in Southbridge. Huizenga resigned from her post in early December 2020. 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. After she was hired this summer people on social . That person has no more authority than any other board member.. Chance of rain 40%. At that time, their response was no comment.. 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. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In doing so, I have sought and received significant input from staff and the community.". 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. Here are some things to know. 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. We are focused on the future and will be creating a superintendent hiring committee to ensure progress forward. 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. ", A statement from the department announcing Huizenga's resignation said she "looks forward to pursuing other professional interests in education.". "No one is acknowledging my concerns about this.". According to a release, 99 percent of the union members answered no. 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. 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. Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. All rights reserved. That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. Former Milford school board chairman Ron Carvell, who was a board member this year, also recently resigned from the school board. 2 min read. Our initial committee meetings, where we create the leadership profile, will be held in public. 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. We do not take such a vote lightly., Were not following her contract on that., The way I was appointed is a big problem. 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.. Its just pouring over everywhere.. When Carvell was chair, meetings sometimes unraveled during public comments and he did what he could to keep the meeting on point and moving forward according to the evenings agenda items. Ill sit here and be very respectful in my last term, he said. And I left because of this whole thing that was transpiring. 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.". 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." 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. Free Stuff; Home Design, Milford Restaurants To Take Mom To On Mexican Mothers Day, T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week, Nashua Home Design Center Educational Series presents An Evening of Bathroom Design, Gail Westergren Scholarship Pancake Breakfast, A Fire; A Festival; Fentanyl Facts; Fancy Flats; More: PM Patch NH, Local Jobs: See Who's Hiring In The Milford Area, Milford Weather Forecast For The Week Ahead. 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. Sarah Gibson joined NHPR's newsroom in 2018. Regardless of the makeup at that point, its imperative that we do have a comprehensive understanding of and an agreement with clearly written goals of the superintendent in order to facilitate an effective evaluation process. And not just with wild, personal attacks.. Carvell sent an email to the public notifying them of the vacancy. Fellow board member Mike Hannon said echoed Tlapas sentiment. "Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year.". Would you like to receive our daily news? Patrick Queenan of Sheehan Phinney, a trial lawyer who has worked on white collar criminal matters as well as civil litigation, was hired to investigate the issue. The J. 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. Blanchard Middle School has a cool concept called Team Time - it's a 40-minute class period at the beginning of the school day, 7:40 AM to 8:20 AM, where students can participate in extracurricular activities, get extra help on schoolwork, or simply have extra time to on class projects. Id like to think that next year were putting it on the calendar for a proper review.. Cabinet file photos Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. Siegrist's resignation comes at a tumultuous time for the district and board as it faces questions about the hiring of Huizenga, resignations in the district, and contentious meetings during the past few months. At the beginning of the 2019 school year, meetings were often heated, due in some part, to the hiring of Dr. Huizenga who many teachers felt should have never been permanently hired as school superintendent and wanted her to resign then. The state took over management of Southbridge schools, a district of about 2,200 students, in January 2016, after the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education deemed it a Level 5 chronically underperforming district. In accepting Ms. Huizengas resignation, the acting commissioner thanked Ms. Huizenga for her efforts in the district. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. In our I hope the state learns a lesson on whats good for small communities, are not dictatorships. 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.. I didnt want it to look like we were bossing the district around. MILFORD Navigating through less choppy waters, the Milford Board of Education met on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
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