Teacher remains on leave while case plays out

CANFIELD — A Canfield middle-school teacher is on paid leave while a court case alleging domestic violence plays out in court.

His personnel file, accessed through a public-records request, shows times of friction between Douglas D. Dawson and the school district.

Superintendent Alex Geordan said Dawson, who was arraigned last week on charges of domestic violence, obstructing official business and resisting arrest after an incident with his family Thanksgiving night, was placed on paid administrative leave and has not been back to the school since he was arrested.

“An unfortunate incident happened outside of school. The staff member is on administrative leave until events are finalized,” Geordan said.

It is paid leave because of Dawson’s contract.

He was arrested Nov. 27 at his Greenmont Drive home and pleaded not guilty to the charges Nov. 28. He posted bond Tuesday, which was set at $2,500 cash or surety.

A Canfield police report details that Dawson and one of his sons got into an argument about the boy taking a car out. The boy ended up taking his sister’s car, which led to an argument between Dawson and his wife.

His wife told police that Dawson put her in a headlock and “flipped her upside down and pinned her down,” the report said.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com