Teacher told to stay away from students

Mark Manley, administrative specialist for Xenia Community Schools, wrote the letter, which said, “As we discussed during the meeting, you will be on administrative leave from your role as assistant football coach until further notice. Please do not have any contact with any Xenia High School students during this period of administrative leave including by telephone, email, or any social media. We will be conducting an investigation into the statements made by community members and students.”

Ted Holop, the high school’s principal, and Mark Stoll, the district’s athletic director, were among those copied on the letter.

Manley declined to comment on the accusations against Dawson, citing advice from the district’s legal counsel.

Holop contacted Xenia Police about Dawson, according to Xenia Police Capt. Scott Anger.

A police report dated Aug. 19 — a day after the district’s first day of school — stated that Holop asked Capt. Anger and another police officer to “look into an incident that happened in Xenia and the surrounding area.”

Anger told this newspaper that officers found no criminal activity, and no charges were filed against Dawson.

The school district hired Dawson in 2006, according to his personnel file.

Dawson’s LinkedIn account lists him as a varsity football coach and head wrestling coach.

Dawson had majority positive remarks in the teaching and coaching evaluations included his personnel file.

Stoll filled out a coaching evaluation form that was dated Nov. 20, 2013. Attached to that form was a separate note that was stamped January of 2014. The note praised Dawson, calling him energetic and stating that he provides excellent leadership.

The note also said Dawson has a good rapport with students. “His ability to develop depth in his relationships with some of our players causes lack of trust and animosity among some of our other players and even coaches. I am concerned about the effects of this on our program,” the note then said.

District officials hope to have the situation resolved by early next week, according to Manley.