Shiver teacher steps down

The Grady County Board of Education held a special called meeting last Wednesday afternoon and accepted the resignation of a Shiver Elementary School science and social studies teacher.

Ronald Evans resigned his teaching position on Monday, Sept. 16, following an internal school system investigation of alleged inappropriate discipline involving a Shiver middle school student.

Grady County School Superintendent Dr. Kermit Gilliard declined to discuss the specifics of the allegations, but insisted that the alleged inappropriate touching Evans was accused of was not of a sexual manner, despite what other media outlets had reported.

The parent of a Shiver student disciplined by Evans had filed a complaint with the school regarding the teacher, which prompted Evans to be placed on paid leave on Sept. 11. The school system notified the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, which also conducted a preliminary investigation.

Ultimately, it was determined there was not sufficient evidence for additional investigation or further action, according to the superintendent, and the investigation was closed on Sept. 16.

Since Evans’ resignation, a second complaint was filed against the former teacher.

Based on reporting by a Tallahassee television news station, a second parent has claimed that Evans allegedly touched his 13-year-old daughter inappropriately and made uncomfortable comments to her.

The 13-year-old female was interviewed Friday by a specialized forensic interviewer with the South Georgia Judicial Circuit. It was concluded that there was no evidence of a prosecutable crime, according to officials.

The parent who made the accusations of sexually inappropriate touching told a Tallahassee television news reporter that he plans to file a civil action against Evans and the school system.

Dr. Gilliard says, ”We believe our ultimate responsibility is providing a safe learning environment for our students. We take every complaint seriously and investigate them fully then act accordingly. I would never hesitate to take action or prosecute anyone who harms or mistreats a student in our care. Parents can be certain of that.”

With Evans stepping down, the school system is now looking for his replacement. He had taught at Shiver from 2002 until 2006 before resigning to take a job in construction. He returned to teaching at Washington Middle School and spent six years there before returning to Shiver in 2015.