Text-messaging teacher gets a reprieve
In September, Pinellas school officials wanted to fire Azalea Middle School math teacher Jason Williams, 32, for conducting an inappropriate online conversation with a female student and for using his school laptop to access pornographic Web sites.
Now, after a review of the e-mail exchanges between Williams and a student with whom he discussed meeting at a local mall, an interview with the girl's father and interviews with six other children, the district has determined there is insufficient evidence that Williams harmed or intended to harm any student.
Pending a School Board vote Tuesday, he could be back at school – a different school – as early as next week.
Check back for the full story on Sunday.
- Donna Winchester, Pinellas education reporter
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6 months of hell. No apology. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Timmy! | February 08, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Let's remember there are children involved here. You are running a GREAT teacher into hiding so that he can protect those he loves. Maybe the St. Pete Times should look into a story before running damaging press. No wonder no one wants to be a teacher these days.
Posted by: H | February 08, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Teacher gets a reprieve? Maybe the allegations were totally ridiculous from the start. Revisiting this is a waste of time and print. Obviously there was nothing there. If there was even the slightest, why would they send him back?
Posted by: Clayton | February 08, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Why another school? If the Teacher did not do anything why not allow the teacher to go back to the original school. If the Teacher did do something why was the Teacher not fired?
Posted by: John | February 08, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Teachers and administrators who are "alleged" to have committed "improprieties" and later exonerated are always transferred to another site. Ostensibly to allow them a fresh start.
While I agree that those found guilty of abusing their position need harsh "sentences", those found not guilty need an equal dose of empathy, understanding and support.
If I were a teacher I'd have an attorney specialized in getting redress in these matters. It is too easy to lose a career.
Posted by: Timmy! | February 09, 2008 at 10:59 AM