Dawson was suspended without pay for three days as a result of the Xenia Community Schools district conducting an investigation about alleged nonprofessional relationships with students.
Dawson did not return a phone placed to him Tuesday by this newspaper.
Xenia Police also investigated after being contacted by Ted Holop, principal of Xenia High School. No criminal charges were filed against Dawson, who returned to the classroom on Monday.
Denny Morrison, superintendent of Xenia Community Schools, signed the letter, which said, “During the week of Aug. 4, 2014, the administration received reports regarding alleged inappropriate relationships and behaviors with students” and that the district’s investigation revealed the following about Dawson:
- He loaned approximately $2,700 to a student to purchase an automobile. The student paid back approximately $1,550 of that loan.
- He paid a student's cell phone bill with the understanding that the student would perform work at his house to repay the amount. The student worked at his house to repay the amount.
- Students/athletes were routinely at his house to study football tape, eat and hang out. "These students also were able to utilize your hot tub while at your house. A student indicated that he partook in gambling at your house as well."
- He routinely provided rides for the students in his own vehicle.
The letter also said: “The relationships with our students are to be of a professional nature and not to extend to your home. I have determined that the above-referenced conducted towards the Xenia students is completely inappropriate, unacceptable and unprofessional.”
The letter also warned Dawson not to retaliate against anyone who lodged complaints against him.
Dawson, whose salary for the 2012-2013 school year was $65,249.50, was also ordered not to have any Xenia student at his home, not to provide loans, gifts or rides to any Xenia students and not to correspond to any Xenia students via social media, text message, cell phone or personal email.
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