That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. Her leadership was particularly evident and greatly admired from her colleagues and to district leadership, as an integral member of our team. 2023 www.telegram.com. "There seems to be no bar low enough for the slanderers to stoop," Siegrist said. Holyoke and Lawrence are the others. Southbridge is an impoverished shithole whose teachers don't get paid nearly enough, because their jobs are much harder than teachers in affluent communities. 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. Its just pouring over everywhere.. 10 election. After 48 resignations, Milford school unions take vote of no confidence Jessica's Vision for American Education - Blogger 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. The announcement . But we need to be demonstrating to our kids that their integrity is more important than winning. 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. 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. Signup today! I want to talk about the kids. 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., 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,, 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 March, we may have new members on this board,, 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., a maximum of twenty (20) months or the remainder of her salary left under the term of the contract., We must strive to incorporate feedback directly from the superintendent, district employees, administrators, parents, and students,, The school board is primarily tasked with protecting our students and our district. After failing to reach a compromise during mediation and after several delays, a judge approved an extension and the trial has been set for January 2022. 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. Feinstein Resignation Calls Grow After Manchin Sides With GOP on 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. 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. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Jessica Huizinga and others you may know. MILFORD - Embattled Milford superintendent of schools, Dr. Jessica L. Huizenga, has resigned from her position, effective at the end of the school year. 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. When the commissioner's post is vacant, state law charges the board with recommending a candidate to the education secretary. 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. From teacher to Superintendent, Dr. Huizenga shares meaningful insight on the instructional core and her first interaction with equity. 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.. 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. Ill sit here and be very respectful in my last term, he said. 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. I want to talk about what programs we have., Carvell had just attended a board meeting on Sunday morning, Dec. 13, calling the situation with the board and Hannons resignation, a nightmare., I personally resigned because I was unhappy there, Carvell said of his member seat on the board. The acting commissioner also thanked educators and staff who worked within the district and with families and the community to bring about these improvements. An Early 1970s Milford Ranch In Need Of Some Cosmetic Updates, Milford Weekday Events, What's Happening? Episode 5|Part 1 : Dr. Jessica Huizenga - Apple Podcasts Walker pointed out that Huizengas evaluation was to occur no later than Jan. 1, 2020. 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. Dr. Johnston is the third receiver in Southbridge. 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. 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. Cabinet file photos She also gave her phone to Ciardelli-Tlapa so she could eye some of the text messages between Siegrist and herself. While Carvell couldnt disclose details of Huizengas leaving, he did call her the best superintendent., She wants to stay in Milford and do her job, Carvell noted. We are focused on the future and will be creating a superintendent hiring committee to ensure progress forward. Were not following her contract on that.. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Ms. Huizengas resignation Thursday. Fellow board member Mike Hannon said echoed Tlapas sentiment. Its very scary because you dont know the feedback that youre going to get. Milford School Superintendent Huizenga Resigns 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. I left because I wasnt going to be part of destroying a town. I hope the state learns a lesson on whats good for small communities, are not dictatorships. Jessica Huizenga - Sr. EH&S Analyst - Amway | LinkedIn 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. 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. Davis exit comes just days after assistant superintendent Christi Michaud took over as interim superintendent while Dr. Jessica Huizenga begins her departure. 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. Boston, MA - Latinos for Education announced today that Dr. Jessica Huizenga has joined the organization as a Managing Director in New England. 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. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Its gone awry, he said. Former Milford school board chairman Ron Carvell, who was a board member this year, also recently resigned from the school board. Support the Public Media you love! A question was raised by Milford resident and educator Brenda Walker regarding the evaluation of Milford superintendent Dr. Jessica Huizenga. I think what the community is doing to the school district was horrible. 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. Milford High principal Chali Davis resigns - Cabinet This is one of the first times that the Milford education unions took a vote of no confidence in our educational leader. 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 . View the profiles of people named Jessica Huizinga. Siegrist did not return a phone call for comment about the matter. During board comments, board member Holleigh Ciardelli Tlapa shared her viewpoints from a prepared statement on the subject of the superintendents contract renegotiations. "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. 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. We believe this is all happening due to the superintendents actions in her short tenure, said the release. Give today. I was brought in as an interim. "We were looking for new energy and new ideas and we have not been able to work things out. A public relations representative for the district, John Guilfoil, returned a call placed to Davis by the Cabinet. Chance of rain 40%. Low 43F. Huizenga said she has sought and received significant input from staff and the community throughout this process. Huizenga announced her resignation July 20, according to a memo from Wulfson to the board. In accepting Ms. Huizengas resignation, the acting commissioner thanked Ms. Huizenga for her efforts in the district. Low 43F. 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).". Huizenga announced her . Hello! 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. Tensions Mount in Milford Over Future of Superintendent 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 specifics of why Siegrist resigned are unknown at press time and Carvell did not return an email seeking comment but it could be due to an ongoing misconduct investigation since June which was prompted by a former Milford High School employee. 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. 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. 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. That petition requested the resignation of superintendent Jessica Huizenga and board chair Ron Carvell. 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. State appoints Cambridge administrator to head Southbridge schools Huizenga resigned from her post in early December 2020. 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 . According to a release, 99 percent of the union members answered no. ASU+GSV Summit: Has education tech really changed anything? A right-to-know request was made for the presentation-in-question, but was rejected by the district and the school board. 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 Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. ", "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. Cline did not return an email to Patch about the matter. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. She reports on education and demographics. 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. "Under his leadership, the team is preparing for a strong start to the 2017-2018 school year.". 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. . Although we will not include a public comment section, we provide an avenue for input. This board is not functioning like that., We have a superintendent who cares about kids,, Shes engaged and shes committed. I agree that we need to implement a thorough review process, she said. 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. I was really unhappy with the way the board was operating, he said. They praised Huizenga for implementing their vision and said she will continue in her post. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Even after I wasnt the chairman any longer, I took the position after they made a move that was very pre-planned. She is allegedly some sort of school witch doctor who can magically make Southbridge schools great again. 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.. Huizenga resigned from her post in early December 2020. The chairman just writes the paperwork and gets authority to sign things and facilitates meetings. 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. Senate soon to consider whether to expand EFA eligibility. 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. 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,.