But we need to be demonstrating to our kids that their integrity is more important than winning. 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. They were promised a process. 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 . 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. I think what the community is doing to the school district was horrible. New Hampshire Public Radio | 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. Siegrist did not return a phone call for comment about the matter. 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. 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. "Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year.". 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).". Education Secretary James Peyser was appointed by Gov. 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. 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. 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 announced her . Union representatives say they have met with the superintendent more than 20 times to discuss concerns, but no resolutions have occurred. That person has no more authority than any other board member.. The State Board of Education could be requested to perform an investigation, Fenton said. I am proud to have served this community, and I value the connections we have made, she continued. 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. We do not take such a vote lightly.. 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. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 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. I want to talk about the kids. During board comments, board member Holleigh Ciardelli Tlapa shared her viewpoints from a prepared statement on the subject of the superintendents contract renegotiations. It wasnt in the best interest of the town.. We could disagree, he added, as long as we disagree with a manner of reasoning. 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. 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. 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. Thats unfortunate, but thats the world we live in., Weve created our own monster based on what goes on down in D.C., Carvell added. She is intelli The J. A few weeks later, Morgan said she emailed School Superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga asking for information on how to file a formal grievance. 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. 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. Southbridge is an impoverished shithole whose teachers don't get paid nearly enough, because their jobs are much harder than teachers in affluent communities. Here are some things to know. 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.. Create a password that only you will remember. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Milford school board meetings in the last year and half have often become heated, during public comments and sometimes between board members themselves. According to a release, 99 percent [] 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. Huizenga takes the place of Robert Marquis, who retired. Were not following her contract on that., I agree that we need to implement a thorough review process,, I believe that its imperative that we complete an evaluation and should have prior to making any contractual modifications. Shes engaged and shes committed. Would you like to receive our daily news? Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Ms. Davis has served the Milford School District tirelessly for the past two years. According to a student, Davis commented that even Adolph Hitler had goals, though his were evil. 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. 2023 www.telegram.com. 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. Weve spent more time not about education, and education has always been my goal. At a school board meeting on Thursday, parents and district staff wearing black t-shirts with "Milford Strong" emblazoned across the chest peppered the board with questions about staffing changes and the boards' decision not to meet with the unions to discuss its concerns. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizenga and others you may know. 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. Cabinet file photos All rights reserved. The J. I was brought in as an interim. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. During the superintendents report, Huizenga touted social and emotional learning and reading programs throughout various Milford schools. "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. At the Board's special meeting on August 15, Dr. Johnston will provide an update on the work in Southbridge. 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. Support the Public Media you love! There have been over 48 resignations thus far this year and it is only May. That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. And I left because of this whole thing that was transpiring. Although we will not include a public comment section, we provide an avenue for input. 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.. In our Partly cloudy skies this evening. We won't share it with anyone else. Carvell said this isnt just a problem in Milford; other districts in other cities have had similar problems. NHPR is nonprofit and independent. I think what the community is doing to the school district was horrible. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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. 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.". We are putting decorum over . 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. 2 min read. By, March 2023 Fund Drive Rules and Regulations, Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at [email protected]. I did not cry foul. We are focused on the future and will be creating a superintendent hiring committee to ensure progress forward. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizinga and others you may know. 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. 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. 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.. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Ms. Huizenga's resignation Thursday. We strive to learn from our mistakes and incorporate essential feedback from our constituents. 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. After she arrived, Holleigh Ciardelli-Tlapa, another board member, asked her to testify about the situation. 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. Jenni Siegrist resigned Sunday, according to Ron Carvell, the chairman of the Milford School Board. Thats unfortunate, but thats the world we live in., Weve created our own monster based on what goes on down in D.C.,. Thats still hasnt happened, Walker said at the time. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. 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.. I think its a combination of things, Huizenga said at the time. I want to talk about what programs we have., I personally resigned because I was unhappy there,, So, I made a decision earlier this year. Were not following her contract on that.. I left because I wasnt going to be part of destroying a town. 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. When you have such a high amount of ratchetry concentrated in one . 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. 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. State staff will interview candidates and make a recommendation to acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson, who will make the final decision, Ms. Reis said. 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. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. We do not take such a vote lightly., Were not following her contract on that., The way I was appointed is a big problem. Low 43F. I'm Jessica Huizenga. Chance of rain 40%. Also announced at the meeting, was the departure of board vice chair Kevin Drew, who is retiring from his role on the board after nine years. I did not cry foul. Paramedics, EMTs, and Advanced-EMTs with the Manchester Fire Department are now able to serve as substitute school nurses in city schools, under a new agreement between the fire and school officials. 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. Sarah Gibson joined NHPR's newsroom in 2018. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. The announcement . 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. MILFORD, NH The Milford School District will begin looking for a new superintendent after its current leader offered her resignation Wednesday. That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. Because I dont look as the chair as being the boss of the district. In Sept. 2019, speaking to the Milford Cabinet, a newspaper in The Telegraph Publishing Group, Huizenga attempted to clarify the continuous debates that lingered on social media and were ongoing during school board meetings. "No one is acknowledging my concerns about this.". I want to talk about the kids. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. On Thursday, Huizenga told the New Hampshire Union Leader that she will continue to serve the school district and its staff. After more discussion, the board voted 4-0 to hire a third-party to investigate the matter. MILFORD - Following months of back-and-forth discourse, misinformation, and an effort towards transparency, Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell recently shared their thoughts on "Milford Citizen," accountability and the Milford district's effort to maintain a quality education for all students. Dr. There are only three districts in Massachusetts under receivership. 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." Chance of rain 40%.. "There seems to be no bar low enough for the slanderers to stoop," Siegrist said. Why dont we just hire someone with experience who can go to work?. At that time, their response was no comment.. 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 . 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. Mr. Lazo was part of a School Committee in 2015 that appointed Steven B. Bliss to the superintendency without a traditional search process. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. The committee will be discussed at our upcoming meeting on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at the Milford High School lecture hall. From teacher to Superintendent, Dr. Huizenga shares meaningful insight on the instructional core and her first interaction with equity. 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. 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 feel like they were promised that.. Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. 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. She began serving on May 2, 2016, and was placed on paid administrative leave, without explanation, on May 31 of this year. That policy is that the remaining members of the board will fill the vacancy with a successor. There are people out there whose way of expressing concern is to put things up on telephone poles and harass them that way. Milford school superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga and school board chair Ron Carvell at a Milford school board meeting. In doing so, I have sought and received significant input from staff and the community.". 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. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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. And thats the way the board should function. So, I made a decision earlier this year. Chester was the first, followed by Huizenga. People think I was thrusted upon them. And she is not looking to sweep things under the rug. 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 also gave her phone to Ciardelli-Tlapa so she could eye some of the text messages between Siegrist and herself. 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.. This is about doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable.". Johnston is the third receiver in Southbridge. 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. Shared by Jessica Huizenga Come network with friends & colleagues at the October 27th West Michigan Air & Waste Management Association's happy hour, hosted by the WM-AWMA YP She resigned a month later. Huizenga said she has sought and received significant input from staff and the community throughout this process. 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. 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. During her tenure in Concord, she was named in a civil lawsuit after a high school student was sexually assaulted on a school bus in 2017. An Early 1970s Milford Ranch In Need Of Some Cosmetic Updates, Milford Weekday Events, What's Happening? She stole someone else's work and didn't cite . Its very scary because you dont know the feedback that youre going to get. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Ms. Huizengagave a written statement to the newspaper. In a joint press release issued by Milford Teachers Association president Cheryl Erdody, MTA vice president Suzanne Schedin, Milford Education Support Staff Association president Brenda Walker and Milford Educational Personnel Association president Doug Haggett, it stated, This is one of the first times that the Milford education unions took a vote of no confidence in our educational leader. Signup today! "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. ASU+GSV Summit: Has education tech really changed anything? The district was placed under state control in January 2016, joining Lawrence and Holyoke in receivership. Russell Johnston, a senior associate commissioner at DESE, has been serving as the interim receiver since Ms. Huizenga was placed on leave in May. The other day we published this blog about disgraced former Southbridge Public Schools superintendent/state receiver Jessica Huizenga, who is a finalist for the superintendent job in Lynn. Sagan wrote to the board that he is recommending the pay boost - from the deputy commissioner salary of $168,025 - because of the "significant responsibilities that Jeff Wulfson has assumed as Acting Commissioner, and in light of the high ratings of performance he has received as Deputy Commissioner." They were promised a process. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Give today. Senate soon to consider whether to expand EFA eligibility. Send it to Tony Schinella at [email protected]. I did not bark thunder. As the school year was just beginning in Sept. 2019, there was still a heated debate over board member conduct, a 99 percent no confidence vote for Huizenga and the resignation of Jennifer Siegrist over a controversial text message debate. View videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyschinella. In March, we may have new members on this board, she said. 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. 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, I leave with a grateful heart. View the profiles of people named Jessica Huizinga. Mr. Bliss was named permanent superintendent on Sept. 22, 2015, but resigned the following month. They praised Huizenga for implementing their vision and said she will continue in her post. In a letter, Davis said, I leave with a grateful heart. Huizenga's original Jan. 8, 2019 contract, . She reports on education and demographics. 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