SHELBY – A Shelby physical education teacher has officially resigned after a second incident within 14 months involving the physical removal of a student from his classroom.
Teacher Bob DeLauder submitted a letter of resignation for retirement purposes to the Shelby Board of Education on April 9. DeLauder’s resignation will be effective on May 25; until then, he will remain on paid administrative leave.
DeLauder was placed on paid administrative leave on March 12 following an incident with a student on March 9. According to an educator misconduct reporting form filed by Superintendent Tim Tarvin, DeLauder had “physical contact” with a female student to “ensure she exited his classroom.”
This is not the first time DeLauder has physically removed a student from his classroom. On Feb. 13, 2017, two third grade students were disciplined during DeLauder’s gym class at Dowds Elementary School. A security camera video showed two students exiting the gymnasium, and one student ending up on the hallway floor.
After that incident, DeLauder was placed on paid administrative leave starting Feb. 17, 2017. He was reinstated by the Shelby Board of Education at its meeting on March 27, 2017 following the conclusion of the investigation.
“As a result of the collective findings of the Shelby Police Department, Richland County Children’s Services, and the Shelby City School District, it is the recommendation of the superintendent (Tim Tarvin) that Mr. DeLauder return to his teaching duties,” said Board President Lorie White on March 27, 2017. “The board concurs with that decision.”
DeLauder’s reinstatement was contingent upon him completing a class regarding student discipline/classroom management. An agreement between DeLauder and the Board of Education also stated DeLauder has taken steps to assure the Board’s administration that he “does not present concerns in dealing with student discipline or with directing, teaching and coaching students.”
A veteran of Shelby City Schools for more than 30 years, DeLauder also served as playground supervisor at Dowds Elementary as well as coach of the district’s wrestling and track and field teams.
Prior to February 2017, DeLauder’s personnel file reflected years of positive reviews from supervisors, making mention of his classes’ participation in gym class and his positive rapport with students.
Currently there are two open investigations involving both incidents with DeLauder with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), based on reports of educator misconduct submitted by Tarvin. An email from investigator assistant Montana Wilson to Tarvin on May 5, 2017 stated the ODE would be determining if action is warranted against DeLauder’s teaching license.
DeLauder’s resignation and the investigations with the ODE are two separate entities; the investigations with the state are not yet closed and are not reliant upon DeLauder’s resignation.
According to an agreement between DeLauder and the Shelby Board of Education, DeLauder will be paid through May 25 – the last day of school for teachers – but will not be allowed on school property. The only exception comes on May 20, where DeLauder will be allowed to attend Shelby High School’s graduation.
Tarvin declined to comment on personnel matters.
