LINCOLN, Maine — RSU 67 Superintendent Denise Hamlin reacted defiantly to an arbitrator’s decision overturning the suspension of a second-grade teacher accused of hitting a student’s hand during a class exercise.
“I am confident we did the right thing and I will take the same action for any staff member that strikes a child,” Hamlin said in a statement released Friday. “A question to parents: If this were your child, what action would you expect from the school district?”
The Ella P. Burr School teacher accused of striking the student — Jodi Bisson — was defiant of Hamlin. “I have never and would never maliciously or intentionally harm a child and that was proven last week when I won my arbitration,” Bisson wrote.
“The arbitrator’s award stated that I was ‘to be made whole,’” Bisson said in a statement released Sunday. “While I did get everything that I was seeking, I would say that I am far from being ‘whole.’ This past year has been extremely rough.”
Hamlin and the RSU 67 board of directors suspended Bisson on Oct. 7, 2011, for three days in response to the incident on Sept. 21, 2011, and another incident in which Bisson supposedly threatened another student. Bisson was transferred to another school and lost a leadership stipend.
Saying school officials failed to prove their case, arbitrator Sarah Kerr Garrity directed that the suspension be struck from Bisson’s records. Bisson should be reimbursed the lost pay and stipend, Garrity wrote.
Garrity suggested that the complainant, fellow educator Linda Dunn, misinterpreted a humorous incident. Bisson, who received positive performance reviews and never had any disciplinary issues, has never “been told by any administrator, during her 21-year employment, that she should tread more lightly in teasing or joking with her students,” Garrity wrote.
Hamlin said she believed that Garrity’s ruling confirmed that Hamlin had abided by the teachers union contract’s “just cause” clause, namely that Hamlin had justifiable reasons for her actions. Garrity confirmed contact occurred between the child and Bisson and that Bisson had made remarks that were “derogatory-sarcastic remarks to other young children,” Hamlin wrote.
“However, because no bruising was visible on the child, the arbitrator deemed that the teacher should not be reprimanded,” Hamlin wrote. “The arbitrator’s rationale: The reporting [mandated by regulations] teacher” — Dunn — “was new to the district and the [child’s] father said it was ‘OK for the teacher to hit his child.’”
Maine Education Association General Counsel Shawn Keenan scoffed at Hamlin’s self-defense.
“That is her management style. She [Hamlin] never does anything wrong. She never gets anything wrong,” Keenan said. “This discipline was an overreaction to physical contact that was harmless.”
Union leaders have complained that Hamlin has a top-down management style that alienates and seeks to intimidate her workforce. Hamlin and the school system’s attorney denied the accusation. Keenan doubted Hamlin’s rebuttal would damage Bisson.
“Jodi has a decision by a neutral hearing officer on her side, and all but one person who was in the classroom that day” of the incident sided with her, Keenan said.
Bisson said she opted not to contest the transfer from Burr to Mattanawcook Junior High School because of the treatment she had received.
“I suffered many humiliations and attacks on my reputation as a well-respected teacher. I was not allowed to attend my only child’s sporting events,” Bisson said. “I was moved to a job located in a small room barely large enough to hold the small groups of children that I was teaching, which had no job description, and was at a grade level unfamiliar to me.”
Hamlin said Bisson now teaches at Mattanawcook Junior High School and the details of Bisson’s transfer and assignment were the purview of the school’s administrators.
Bisson did not return messages seeking comment Monday.
Hamlin said she has no plans to appeal the arbitrator’s decision. However, a prohibited practice complaint the union filed that arises partly from Bisson’s disciplinary action is pending. The union also seeks an arbitrator’s intervention on another disciplinary action against another teacher, Keenan said.
When a leader defies evidence and a decision based on that evidence, that says a whole lot about one’s inability to deal with reality. Sounds to me like the board needs to “see the light” and make the right decision about someone who has brought so much dissension to a culture that once was positive and supportive.
“I am confident we did the right thing and I will take the same action for any staff member that strikes a child.” In relation to this case, has there been any reliable evidence that this teacher STRUCK the child? We certainly haven’t seen or heard it. Based on those who have seen the evidence, “something” happened, nothing was judged to be of a harsh nature, nothing was proven, the super lost and is now making statements that one would think are bordering on libel. Does Ms Hamlin actually want to lose a court case or is it that she’s simply mentally checked out at this point in her career?
Where has the school board been for the last year?? Jackie Thurlow and her gang of thugs are just as guilty.
Hamplin must be removed! Please vote out all incumbent schoolboard members this Nov. 6. Something has to be done.
I’m so glad I don’t live anywhere near the town of Lincoln. The Town’s a mess, corruption alleged at their town hall, radical teacher’s union members destroying the school’s reputation and the town’s people divided to the point they won’t fund their kids education.
The teacher’s union is anything but radical. Please check facts before making such outrageous accusations. In fact, Jodi Bisson is a very respected teacher who would not and did not maliciously strike a child. Students love her and parents respect her as she is and has been an outstanding educator in our district.
I’m voting no on this budget too. It’s the only way the towns people can demand change and show that the majority of the town wants her removed. These articles help draw attention to her unprofessional actions so no other school district will make the same mistake RSU 67 made.
Although a budget has not been passed, the kids are still receiving education and the district is still receiving its state and federal subsidies and grants. I do find it interesting that this school board can give this superintendent a 3% raise, retroactive to July AND pay her that retroactive raise in one lump sum late last week; but because the budget has not passed, Hamlin has chosen to limit the after-school program and will only allow “late” busses to transport those after-school kids, to just two days a week. Hmmmm… I can’t see where Hamlin or the board had the children’s best educational interests in mind with that action!! Tonya McLaughlin
Come one Lee at least use your real name.
The schoolboard needs to smarten up and get rid of Denise Hamlin! Her ignorant shenanigans and hunger for power have managed to almost completely decimate what was once a great school district with awesome caring teachers and wonderful adminstrators.
When is enough going to be enough? Reports like this are proof that Hamlin is vicious, mean-spirited, and controlling.
The case was overturned and she needs to live with the results. Hopefully the school board will smarten up soon and the newly voted ones will step up and do what is right for the school system in Lincoln as it needs major change at the top level.
This is the 2nd time that RSU 67, and Hamlin, have taken a ‘hit’ for something that’s clearly keester wipe in less than a year. At what point do the parent’s in 67 start asking themselves the simple, and inevitable question, that being is what we are paying Hamlin worth what these idiotic personnel action’s and facility problems are costing us, in money and focus, as well as a very likely DOE audit that’s likely to jepoardize the RSU’s State Funding ? Nov 6th is right around the corner. And now the voter’s have a local issue that’s very dear and near to their heart’s. Any taker’s ?
Although a budget has not been passed, the kids are still receiving education and the district is still receiving its state and federal subsidies and grants. I do find it interesting that this school board can give this superintendent a 3% raise, retroactive to July AND pay her that retroactive raise in one lump sum late last week; but because the budget has not passed, Hamlin has chosen to limit the after-school program and will only allow “late” busses to transport those after-school kids, to just two days a week. Hmmmm… I can’t see where Hamlin or the board had the children’s best educational interests in mind with that action!!
Not sure how this comment got on here twice. Sorry readers…
““However, because no bruising was visible on the child, the arbitrator deemed that the teacher should not be reprimanded,” Hamlin wrote. “The arbitrator’s rationale: The reporting [mandated by regulations] teacher” — Dunn — “was new to the district and the [child’s] father said it was ‘OK for the teacher to hit his child.’” This statement alone goes to show how untruthful Mrs. Hamlin can be! What father says it’s ok to “hit his child”! TOTALLY taken out of context just so she can “prove” her point! Thank you, Jodi, for having the courage to stand up to this kind of bullying. I believe part of the testimony was given that Jodi was being targeted BEFORE the ALLEDGED incident. Hmmmm???? AND as for the board of directors giving her not only a raise but a contract extension…SINCE WHEN do we reward bullies for doing something like this?
Maybe Hamlin needs to read this and apply it to herself….
http://www.rsu67.org/rsu67/documents/policies/j/JICK%20bullying.pdf
Although it was revised Sept 5, 2012 so I’m sure it doesn’t apply to her anymore.
Hamlin says, “A question to parents: If this were your child, what action would you expect from the school district?”
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the parents of this child asked that Mrs. Bisson be placed back in the classroom with their child. Mrs. Hamlin thinks that she is above the law. I wish Mr. Sambides had quoted a certain section from the arbitration. A principal was asked to testify. He was asked if Mrs. Hamlin had ever made a comment concerning removing this teacher from EPB before this incident ever happened. He testified that she had indeed commented that she needed to remove a certain group of teachers from EPB. She was included in that group. And there is the real story here. The superintendent wanted to remove some teachers from EPB who did not agree with the new inexperienced principal (who has proven to be so unsuccessful that they had to hire a vice principal to help her). And she succeeded. The teachers she spoke of, before this incident happened, are no longer in the building. And once again, Mrs. Hamlin is hiding behind more lies.
How many times do we have to vote NO to the school budget until Hamlin gets the boot. A vote of NO is a vote of no confidence for Hamlin, the school board and the Town of Lincoln leaders.
Stop whining Bisson–child abuser
Hamlin needs to go and be barred from ever working in a field with other human beings, especially children. After she left our school, it is a much happier place and I only hope Lincoln can achieve the same.
Oh, but now the school board has graciously extended her contract for two more years. Is that because if she leaves the towns people will have to buy out her contract? What were they thinking? Oh, I guess they weren’t. The superintendent’s contract, according to state mandate, is not supposed to be reviewed until December.
Actually, because of the outcome of the arbitration, DH can be let go at any time WITHOUT being bought out of her contract. A local lawyer has looked at the superintendent’s contract and found that tidbit of information. She really just needs to go….she was poison at her previous employment and she is poison at RSU 67.
How does that happen? Steps to take?
Ultimately, it is the board’s decision to make…
Why don’t they just drug the kids up like they do in most Maine schools? They would just sit there and drool for 13 years then you could cut them off cold turkey when the graduate..
Isn’t this all getting just a bit out of hand?
Hamlin has no compassion and I think in the short time she has been in our district she sure has gained hundreds of enemies. I gave her a chance in my mind….and thought she can’t be that bad. When I attended a few school board meetings I saw what everyone was talking about. For a person in her position, you DO NOT sit in front of the board and hundreds of people and continually roll your eyes like some over dramatic teenager. She is very unprofessional and lacks leadership and fairness. What goes around comes around. I am so happy Jodi won, but saddened what this excellent teacher has gone through.
and on the news this morning is that the former town manager from Milo is being sentenced for theft of $45,000. Is it correct that he is a good friend of the Hamlin family?
The case has been settled. Time for the Super to move on with other business and be quiet. Act like a professional.
…Or just move on… maybe to Texas.
I have never met a superintendent who was not condescending, arrogant, elitist, and primarily interest in promoting their own career.
Interesting perception “TrickleUpProvertyForAll”… perhaps there may be some truth to your statement but being arrogant, elitist, promoting their own career can happen with some level of class and professionalism without bullying staff into submission. DH is a “playground bully” threatening staff with insubordination if they don’t “go along with” her decisions and way of running things. Bottom line, DH is smug, rude, disrespectful and condescending to the public AND staff, and a bully!! I encourage anyone to attend a board meeting and watch the actions of DH.
I find the attitude and actions of DH to be typical of superintendents in general.
I’ve worked for 5 different superintendents and have never had one who has the attitude or actions of DH. In fact, several of them have been very nice. I don’t know many people who have had an issue with their superintendent other than the educators in Lincoln. That should tell you quite a bit about her lack of leadership skills.
Most superintendents are “nice” to those that work under them. Their attitude and actions become progressively less “nice” to teachers, then school board members, especially if any of those board members questions their actions. And God help you if you are some member of the public and do not even have a child still in school.
DH is simply one of the worst of the worst. Reminds me of one individual I worked for who was definitely not representative of most bosses.
What happened to common sense? Hamlin definitely has control issues. She needs the “boot”, but as with all small town school boards….what favors are being granted?
I can’t believe Denise Hamlin is actually, in effect, denying the arbitrator’s conclusion on Jodi’s case. This definitely shows how she puts herself above and beyond other people. She is a human being. She eats, sleeps and yes, even goes to the bathroom, just like the rest of us. She needs to leave RSU#67 as soon as possible. She has a leadership role that she is abusing….BIG TIME.
My daughter has Jodi Bisson this year in school and absolutly loves her. If I ever thought that Jodi had hit a child I would have never let my daughter be in her room. Jodi didn’t do anything wrong and I’m glad that everything has turned out well for her!!!
Hmmm, I wonder what I would do to the teacher if a teacher hit my child??
Considering ALL the witnesses except Ms Dunn stated it didn’t happen, perhaps a better question for you Mr. Test, would be, Now that she has been proven innocent, I wonder how we can help the OTHERS under this kind of bullying system? There was a parent volunteer sitting at the table that stated it didn’t happen, the child told his parents it didn’t happen. Shall we poll all the other children that were in the room! This alledged incident (FALSE INCIDENT would be my first choice of words) caused many children to have a disrupted classroom, that was under stress as their teacher was changed at a critical time. This teacher’s life will never be the same. This town has lost much. All because someone was spiteful….NOT because something happened, but because someone accused falsey. My son is also in Mrs. Bisson’s room this year and I would NEVER allow that if I thought she had done this! Perhaps you should listen to the witnesses rather than the rumors!
Denise Hamlin has been an absolute disgrace as the Superintendent of RSU 67. She constantly harasses good teachers, she has fired teaches with no cause, not to mention the ones who have quit rather then work for her. She has even approached teachers and other town citizens in public (Hannaford) and demanded to know if they were talking about her. She has even tried to stop teachers from gathering together after school hours. She is an absolute disgrace and needs to be replaced as soon as possible!
The superintendent has a no confidence vote in the community and should have her contract canceled.
She has done enough damage to the system, in money and moral.
—-Bye Bye Mrs. Hamlin.—–
———-Just Go!——————
Now get rid of the school board members who hired this “gem” Nov 6th., and restore this once excellent school system to operational order.
Once the school board listens to the town members and fires her, perhaps the budget will pass…
Has the school board listened yet??
The information just keeps getting better. There was a school board meeting the day after Superintendent lost this lawsuit. The agenda included the Annual Yearly Progress Report (AYP) and the Comprehensive Education Plan (CEP). According to the minutes of the meeting, Directors Adams and Trask made motion to postpone these items (that are VERY important) until the next board meeting. They were not too busy that night to go into executive session to evaluate the Superintendent though. (It gets better) It took them exactly 9 minutes to go over and discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation, which is supposed to include evidence of standards that she is supposed to meet, AND give her the 2 year contract extension and the $3000.00 raise.
http://coe.fgcu.edu/faculty/valesky/isllcstandards.htm
I would love to see the evidence that has been collected to show that she has met any of these standards. And it took 9 whole minutes.
Maybe both of those men are getting favors? Or maybe they have private meetings that again are not legal???
How can Ms. Bisson be made whole when the superintendent makes such slanderous public comments?