News

Byron teacher retires after allegations

By DOMINIC ADAMS Argus-Press Staff Writer

Thursday, September 4, 2008 9:56 AM EDT

BYRON - A sixth-grade science teacher accused last school year of inappropriate behavior toward students abruptly retired after nearly 40 years teaching in the district.

Byron Area Schools Superintendent Daniel Scow said Tom H. Davis retired Aug. 22. Scow said Davis and other teachers were to report back Aug. 27.

Davis was on paid administrative leave for three months last spring while school officials and the Byron Police Department investigated reports of alleged inappropriate behavior.

Scow said Davis was to teach sixth-grade science, health and thinking skills this year.

“Our district did our own investigation and we didn't find any reason to bring any formal charges against Mr. Davis or any disciplinary action,” Scow said. “It was kind of a drawn-out process, but I think we acted in the best interest of our students and our school.”

Davis did not immediately return messages left by The Argus-Press.

According to the Byron Police Department's report on the investigation- obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request - the investigation went to the Shiawassee County Prosecutor's Office for review.

Scow said a substitute took over Davis' classes. Scow said he expects to fill the position with a full-time teacher in the next couple of weeks.

The district placed Davis on paid administrative leave Feb. 27 and he returned to Byron Middle School May 27.

However, Davis did not return to the classroom and instead requested an alternative district assignment. He had the options of returning with no classroom changes, teaching with a camera in his room or teaching with an aide alongside him. Davis also could have taken a leave of absence until the end of the year with a different district assignment this year and retired at the end of last school year, information from his personnel file revealed.

The Byron Police Department and Shiawassee Child Protective Services were involved, according to documents in Davis' personnel file and police reports.

Numerous statements from students and parents from Byron Middle School allege Davis made inappropriate comments toward students. Davis denied any such behavior to police and told them he would take a lie detector test, according to the police report.

The investigation revealed some students were spreading rumors on the social networking Web sites MySpace and Facebook about Davis. Police records also indicate a group of students conspired to get one another to “pull (their) shirt(s) down so Mr. Davis would look,” one student told police.

Scow sent a letter to all Byron Middle School sixth-grade parents April 14 detailing Davis' return to building.

“The administration of Byron Area Schools is convinced that Mr. Davis is fully capable of returning to his duties as a classroom teacher at Byron Middle School,” the letter read.

Scow also detailed how Davis “did not agree with the position the district is taking with regard to not pursuing disciplinary action against the students,” a letter in Davis' personnel file read.

Scow has worked with Davis for a year and said he didn't have a chance to directly observe Davis.

- Contact Dominic Adams at 725-5136 extension 239 or by e-mail at dadamsarguspress@gmail.com.

Comment on this Story

Tom Davis wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:54 PM:

" THANKS Everyone for the kind words of support and all your good will through this entire ordeal.

Special thanks to Larry Judson, MEA Uniserve Director Walt Rowgalski and my wife Lori who were tireless in holding my hand and offering direction through this nightmare.

Kids need protection but this system needs some serious tweaking. Fortunately, I was close enough to be
able to retire.

What I worry about is that kid who may have a young family and only 10 years in.

What happens to him when he gets thrown under the bus?

Over the past 33 years I have come to really love the community. I wasn't quite ready to leave and I shall miss you all.

On the other hand, I'm on my way to Traverse City to chase the salmon for the rest of the week so retirement does have it's good points.

My wife and I have been very touched by
the comments in the paper.

Thanks again, Tom Davis "

Jeff Charles wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:31 AM:

" It is inappropriate and rather ignorant to make snap judgements about a copmplex matter like this that was investigated by the school, DSS, and police, from a small news blurb.
The teacher had no punishment for any misdeeds -- possibly fitting the facts and in somewhat grey areas like this, possibly not. All we know is there was not enough hard evidence to go further.
If students were acting inappropraitely, especially sexually, it could be a sign that they "were bad," or it could also be the exact response children often make to sexual suggestions, verbal and non, subtle or not.
Further sometimes actions and words can seem sexual to one person but not to another.
Likewise a man who had a great career could over time have lapses in mental ability or judgement that did not occur in the past, so this is no proof either way either.
So we really don't know much, but we have to trust the system and the judgement of people who did take the time. They decided not to charge anyone with anything formally. It makes no sense to assume the fact they didn't charge anyone with anything makes the teacher guilty or innocent, or likewise any of the students in the same way. "

HD wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:30 PM:

" As a former Byron High School student, and a former student of Mr.Davis, I cannot express the absolute disgust I felt as i read this article. Mr Davis deserved to be commended for a lifetime of commitment to his students, to their educations, and to the Byron School District.Instead, he was treated as a criminal because of a RUMOR started by some obviously attention starved children. Whoever these children are, they should not only be held criminally responsible, but should also be expelled, and should be forced, along with their neglectful parents, to seek professional help. "

Alumni wrote on Sep 7, 2008 1:45 PM:

" In the nearly 25 years since I graduated from Byron one thing has remained constant the lack of accountabilty for certain members of the community. The board of education is at fault and there should be a recall for the gross misuse of power. Mr. Davis was an outstanding teacher and a fine man. He will rise above the ignorance of the board and superintendent. The fact that these students made false allegations and are in the building has set the district up for more incidents in the future. I would hope that Mr.Davis would seek legal action against the families of these students involved in this conspiracy that was supported by the board of education, shame on you all! "

Jeff K wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:44 AM:

" If Bryon Schools does not discipline these students for there actions, then Bryon Schools is adding to the problems teachers have with vindictive, pot head low self esteem students. These student have no respect for anyone and tried to use the system to hurt and innocent teacher doing a great job to educate. Hey, Byron school board wake-up, you are letting them to get away with this. What is next the girls getting naked in the class room to get a teacher in trouble since you are letting them getting away with this. What is the worst point is that this kind of students are going to end up pregnant or drug dealers and then we have to pay higher taxes for the social system that is failing. I am tired of my taxes paying for these kind of youths who will get the state to pay for all their needs, food, housing, heating, electric because they have a baby. Then to make it worse the social workers tell them to have more to get more money from the system, so they can have a job and not to their job.

Bryon Schools keep it up, help make students not accountable for their actions and helping the collapse of the of the American Society. Recall the School broad people, they are not doing their job and we have to make them accountable.

Hey, who is the wealthy one over there, sue the school board for millions and make them accountable for them not doing there job.

Plus Hey Sheriff Department, how about indecent exposure charges against these girls. Hmmm,,,wonder if one is a sheriffs kid?

Plus School board, you wonder why hardly anyone is not going into to teaching anymore. Why not just pull all the teachers and let the kids run the schools. At least the teacher are protected then from the vindictive and lairs.

If the Sheriff department, School Board or Citizens do not stand up against. Then you get what all you deserve and don't complain about the cost of your taxes, you are the ones who are making them higher and education going down the tubes.

Sincerly, tired of the BS "

Joe wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:38 AM:

" The Byron Area School Board of Education will probably stay the same. The board mostly consists of the same "homegrown" fools that are not qualified to run a school. Those that have any education or ambition leave and probably never come back.

I'm glad we finally were able to vote in someone from Citizens Bank management. Hopefully that's the first step for several reforms.

But with surnames like "Crawford," "McGuire" and "Mitchell," I highly doubt that we'll see any change anytime soon. I recommend those who have an education and want to see reform to file the right paperwork and run for a position on teh board. "

Byron Grad wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:19 PM:

" I wouldn't say "OUTSIDERS" are solely to blame.

Back when I was a student, all students and slackers who weren't gifted academically always had a problem with Mr. Davis. He was both a tough instructor and disciplinarian.

Sure, Mr. Davis had his faults. Who doesn't remember him and Mr. Butcher smoking out the teachers lounge in the first floor of Byron Middle School? Who doesn't remember the fact that he was a bit crabby from time to time?

But that's besides the point.

Many who disliked him couldn't stand that fact that he made students work for their grade. And with the rise of globalization, he provided the perfect college-prep education needed to excel in a post-secondary education environment.

I still use the knowledge he taught me today. As a former engineering student, I would always look back and remember when he would make us memorize the periodic table of elements back and sixth- and seventh-grades.

Talk about a huge help!

Thank you Mr. Davis for the education you provided me. I hope you get beyond this mess and enjoy life to its fullest.

Thank you for your 40-years of service to Byron Area Schools. "

Jim wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:01 PM:

" What you are witnessing here is the result of the banning of prayer, Bible reading, pledge of a allegiance to the Flag of the USA, and plain old "common sense discipline" in the schools. This kind of retaliation by students is "only the tip of the iceberg". It should serve as a warning of what is to come. Once it starts, there will always be someone else that thinks they can come up with something greater and more sinister than the first one. It is a shame that Mr. Davis had to be on the receiving end of such a terrible experience and my heart goes out to him and his family for the irreversable damage that has taken place. What a tragic end to so many years of devotion to the education of our "future leaders". I wonder if the folks in the Byron School System will reevaluate the School Board for their failure to discipline those responsible ? If they do not stand up to this gross injustice, then they should be replaced with a Board that will support their educators. If they do not, you will play havoc trying to find quality educators to replace those leaving your system. Good luck, and I will be looking for a public apology from the Byron School Board to Mr. Davis for this most disgusting incident, or were the perpetrators related to members of the Board ? Mr Davis has every right to bring legal action against those responsible, but knowing him, I doubt very much that he wants to bring any more pain to the community he has loved and served for so many years. You folks have just lost a great person, and I hope you do something to prevent something like this from ever happening again. "

Gee wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:46 PM:

" My kids had Mr. Davis as a teacher. We all thought he was a great teacher and never thought he said anything wrong. Those kids should be punished. "

Dee wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:45 PM:

" I would suggest that this teacher file legal action towards the False accuasations. This is a tragic shame that the PARENTS of these KIDS, still live in that community! They need to pack up and move away, as I have a feeling they are nothing but trouble makers. And I am embarrassed for this small community. Seems whenever a bunch of OUTSIDERS move in from their big city life, they want things to run their way. As I cant believe it was anyone who was born and grew up in BYRON! "

Laura wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:13 PM:

" What goes around comes around they will get what they deserve at some point. "

Mick wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:01 PM:

" This is gravely disappointing!!! This is exactly why our youth today are disrespectful, weak, un-focused, irresponsible, and disconnected!! Discipline and expectations fall extremely short for youth now. These kids are actually being short-changed and not taught a real lesson that could be life changing for them...for the better.
I am sorry Mr. Davis, if you are reading this. Keep your head up high and there is life outside of Byron middle school!!!
All I can say...is that things have a way of coming back around for those who do wrong.
As adults, we must be role-models, parents, teachers, and leaders that influence, lead by example, give respect and demand respect! Adults these days seem to lower themselves to the kids level and want to be their
"buds". Youth today seem lost and ill-prepared. And this is a perfect example!!! "

sickening wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:44 AM:

" this makes me physically ill that these kids are getting away with this! Their parents should be ashamed and owe this teacher an apology, not that it will ever make things right. I can only imagine the humiliation this teacher must have endured. There should be better laws set up to protect teachers! "

jeff wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:15 AM:

" i agree with every one on this matter . the kids need some kind of punishment. it's wrong that they got away with this . the teacher should take them to court and teach them an thier parents a lesson in respect . i agree with a bystander that corporal punishment needs to be brought back in to the schools "

Kingpinn wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:30 AM:

" Im sure that what ever this teacher did was nothing like the abusses we indured in the Owosso School system in the 60's. Acts so bad cant repeat them in this forum "

sandy wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:07 AM:

" wow talk about pushing something so important under the rug. Those Student's who almost ruined this teachers status for life, should be punished for their actions. A woman or a man in this case, has gone through college to become a teacher, had to go through alot in order to become a teacher. He should be respected not only by his peers. But the parent's of those children who almost ruined his crereer, Should not only be punished, But also be expelled from school for 2 to 4 weeks, and added to their school record. Of how a misjudgement of a teacher, could of ruined him. Because of the prank action's that these student's pulled on this wonderful teacher, was very wrong, and will now be put on his record for life. It is not a matter of shaking you finger at those students and telling them how bad it hurt this teacher. Ladies & Gentalman. This is put on this teachers record for life. How sad to let this go unpunished by these student's, and how sad it is to let the parent's of those students, to just sweep it under the run, I went to byron school growing up. And needless to say, I am appauled by the lack of action taken by those students. What a dissgrace. I personally stand behind that teacher one hundred percent, for being faulsely accused. "

a bystander wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:39 PM:

" This is just the beginning as far as I'm concerned. The students of the schools are getting away with so much and discipline is a thing of the past. Unless we get corporal punishment back in the schools the outlook is pretty dismal for teachers and students. If our government is so concerned about abuse... let the parents be there or let the parent administer the punishment. Something needs to be done and NOW! I feel for the teacher. "

Former Byron Student wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:38 PM:

" I'm a former student of Byron Area Schools and have had Tom Davis as a teacher for sixth- and seventh-grade science more than 15 years ago. It's sad to see him leave our community this way. He is probably one of the hardest and best instructors that the school district could've employed.

This article furthers my conclusion that the town "rednecks" conspired and achieved their ultimate goal of getting rid of Mr. Davis. These youths will probably spend their post-high school days flipping burgers or pizzas at the local food joints. "

K.Bugh wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:08 PM:

" I agree the kids shouldn't get away with it. They could have charged a innocent teacher for something he never did, If he's been there forty years, he loves teaching. Why do some kids have to be so mean? Maybe if the kids got the time he would have gotten, maybe they would think twice next time they faultsly accuse. "

me wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:21 PM:

" I worked with Mr. Davis at Byron Middle School. He was a wonderful person who cared very much about his students. He will be deeply missed by the staff. "

DEE wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:16 PM:

" Knowing how vindictive kids can be now a days with access to the internet and cell phones, It would not surprise me if perhaps one kid didnt care for this teacher. Perhaps started a rumor and it got out of hand. If this is indeed the case, the kids need to be ashamed of themselves. As it states their was no reason to bring formal charges. If this was a revenge type of act taken by the student or students involved, I hope they know that if this man was INNOCENT , they ruined someones life. Maybe the parents need to get their kids some HELP! "

MarkJ wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:02 PM:

" If students try to disgrace and spread false rumors there should be consequences. This is really an issue of disrespect, they know they can mess up anyone and no one can do anything about it. People have to be accountable for their actions. Baiting by a bunch of skanks is an outrage. "