A former student accused Vancouver high school teacher Shadbreon Gatson of sexually abusing her in 2013, and Gatson resigned on Tuesday.
Since his arrest on Dec. 20 on charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, Gatson, 43, who was employed at Hudson’s Bay High School, has been placed on administrative leave.
In the end, the original investigation was dropped due to the statute of limitations, according to an email from Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Kim Kapp. Last year, the ex-student informed the school about the alleged assault.
According to an email from Vancouver Public Schools, additional persons have allegedly come forward with information or accusations regarding Gatson, and Kapp stated that police are still looking into the matter.
Gatson’s resignation was met with evident relief by Vancouver Public Schools.
In an email sent to workers and parents on January 14, the district stated that it did not want to continue using public funds for administrative leave for any longer than was required by law. We intend to accept the resignation since it enables us to act immediately rather than waiting for the conclusion of an investigation before taking any required action.
Regarding such reports, the district stated that it is still conducting a third-party review into the school’s policies and practices.
In 2013, a janitor claimed to have seen Gatson with a female student by himself in a dimly lit room. According to school records, the teacher was reprimanded in writing for poor judgment and limits by Bill Oman, who was Hudson’s Bay’s principal at the time.
Gatson denied any impropriety in a 2013 interview with Oman. Oman subsequently sent an email to the district’s human resources director stating that, while he did not believe anything had happened, there were some clear blunders in Shad’s judgment and limits.
Both Valerie Seeley, the current principal of Hudson’s Bay, and Oman, who is currently the executive director of schools and learning for the school district, are on voluntary administrative leave.
Crime, public safety, and local news are all topics covered by breaking news reporter Tatum Todd. You can contact them at 503-221-4313 or [email protected].
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