Stellad is this true? It seems this story needs a fresh report. Of course asking him to leave and telling him to leave are two different things. I'll admit I am not only dissapointed in the district but it seems even most of the parents have let this slide by as well. Great story here, just wait it out and it goes away!

Wow once again look what has happened the coach was asked to leave school Thursday or Friday before spring break but he is back the first day after. Maybe everyone has forgotten what happened but I'm sure the children havent. Way to go Durant Schools you set a fine example of character for our children.

akidsthought- what does the softball coach have anything to do with this? ive played for him for 4 years and yeah he was hard but he was actually a good coach. some girls just took what he said to heart and didnt realize he actually wants to make you better. and he wasn't making "sexual advances" like the bball coach which is a way worse topic than things "that have been said". i graduated a year ago and the news about coach hudson did not surprise me at all from what my friends have told me just from being in his class. im just glad that there are girls strong enough to come out and speak the truth that other girls couldnt. i hope things are done to get this man out of the school system, so he cant continue to do these things to other girls in the future.

It really scares me that time will pass and people sill forget. I think that is what the admin wants.

Obviously, the school isn't going to deal with this anytime soon either way. BUT it seems funny to me that if a student breaks a rule in the handbook, they're dealt with immediately! My daughter was hounded to death over a piercing and threatened with being expelled if it wasn't removed! This pales in comparison to what this teacher is being accused of!!! What excuses the teachers' behaviors? And "Godfather" I do believe in innocent until proven guilty, but I also believe that it's a little strange for several girls, some who have never met, to all be making the same accusation. I realize that there are 'policies' in place at the administration, but they have shared nothing with the public on the steps being taken. They've danced around every question. We deserve answers and our children deserve answers and safety!

Guffaw really hit this on the head.

I really cannot speak to the accused's innocence or guilt and without some real evidence other than accusations it may just be between him and his God.

I've always been a believer in the adage that where there is smoke there is fire, but so far it's been total hearsay. It's unfortunate that in this day an age it is neither unthinkable that a teacher could do this, as it happens every day somewhere in this country, but it is also not at all unthinkable that a couple of spoiled drama queens could make this stuff up, again not saying that is the case just recognizing the possibility.

At the very least it would sound as if this teacher was too touchy feely, even if meant completely honestly, and would as a result be guilty of poor judgement and not being diligent as a male teacher in staying above reproach. As a result there is no possibility of him functioning as a teacher or a coach under this shadow. It will never be forgotten and more importantly will always be in the back of every students mind and will affect each students perception of everything he does as a teacher or coach. My impression here is that either this teacher was making advances hoping for an opportunity that never came at least that we know of, or was just a friendlier than average person that felt comfortable with a higher level of contact. If the former then it someone out there has something that will condemn him. If the latter he should be fired or better resign just for being stupid enough to do this in this day and age.

What is truly disturbing is the administration and superintendents failure to manage the situation in a reasonable and expected manner. They could say a lot more as Guffaw points out without compromising their privacy requirements. Their lack of action and lack of communication contribute to the already existing perception that there is a serious lack of leadership and coverup. While I doubt a coverup exists, they have allowed through their (in)action to make it appear so to the average person.

Even if this teacher is innocent, the superintendent and school board is not. They are guilty at best of incompetence and possibly a coverup at worst. Even if this teacher is innocent and the administration knows it, they still needed to follow a proper policy and procedure and let it run its course.

As it stands the publicity and opinion is really running against this teacher. He needs to either come forth and explain his side of the story for the good of all involved. The school board should take a good hard look at this new superintendent as it is clear his inexperience is casting a huge cloud over this district. Sadly in the midst of this many families are under stress and anxiety waiting for this to be over and none of those involved will every be looked at the same again in this town. Its time for this town and this district to do what is right for the current and future students. The school administration should ask this teacher to resign if he is not man enough to do it himself and then they should resign and allow the crumbled foundation of this school system to be repaired by new leadership. It's apparent this is not going away and it's apparent that this administration is incapable of resolving this in a manner best for all involved.

-catfish

Well for your information, to platinum! have you ever watched games at the high school, have you been to a sball game or a bball or a track meet any sport? There as been many coaches that have put there hand around there shoulder or hug them or mabe even kiss them on top of the head! that does not mean that is sexual! it means they are showing they are proud of you keep the good work up. these girls who are saying he is guilty are the ones who arent good! and just want something to stur up. taking things way past over board. if they can keep the sball coach not the one that was are coach this year but all the other years , then they can keep hudson. The sball coach said things and he had way more people wanting him out of the school board then they do a man that supposibly did so wrong to these girls. there is always going to be some crazy person wanting a coach out because there baby dosent get to play every parent thinks that there child is a super star. and it will always be that way. i believe and i am talking for many other students at dhs! you look at how many kids go to that high school if there parents felt so unsafe with the faculty would we have as many students as we do! no we sure wouldnt! And now it isnt even about him being guilty or not to the people who started this it is all about winning now they are being selfish and thinking about there selfs like i said if the parent new about it a year ago or four years ago when they day it happened they would of had this man out the day it happend not a YEAR LATER OR FOUR! people need to stop blaming him and the FACULTY! you put your self in the facultys shoes! then see how it really is ! stop blaming other people and the coach for your child and yourself doing something wrong!..

To the student who claims to be on the accused side; I don't know who you are but if you believe he is innocent then you must have just been one of the lucky ones he didn't bother OR you just didn't see the advancing hints. You should realize that it is against all rules for a male teacher to touch a female student in any kind of way, things like a hand on the small of your back, hands wrapped around shoulders standing directly behind a student, allowing students to sit in his lap etc.. All very wrong for him to ever allow no matter how innocent it may seem. Also kimsy is very true about asking why something more wasn't done when he was caught on tape in the middle of the night alone with a girl going into te school.. Whether he is guilty or not administrative leave would be a wise decision until things can further be proven because it obviously bothers many people that he is still being allowed to walk the halls.

Dear Guffaw,

Of all comments posted about the alleged incidents, yours are the most well thought out. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion. I hope that the administration and school board are reading these comments and sifting through all the nonsense and name calling and recognizing those that are truly seeking the truth. Our current sup, Dr. Simeroth, has an opportunity to bring the Durant School system and comunity together and show others that he is the one "in charge" and that it is his job to seek the truth and go back to the basics of putting the kids first. As it has been said over and over on these blogs, had these incidents been handled right the first time, none of this he said, she said would be going on.

There is a lot of arrogance shown by some individuals and if everyone(this needs to start at the top) would just do the right thing and accept responsibility for their part, then maybe healing could begin. People are begging for good leadership and boundaries to be set. Please Dr. Simeroth, listen to these comments and know that you will have the support of the this community if people think that you are being honest and a man of integrity.

As for the coach involved, he needs to protect his family and go find a job elsewhere. Why would he want to stay in a town where there will always be a shadow of doubt surrounding him?

People in this town need to be praying for our schools, Dr. Simeroth, the alleged victims and their families, as well as, Mr. Hudson and his family.

The Durant School system is all about how "character counts". Do we have men and women of integrity teaching and coaching our kids? Maybe it's time to take inventory and see where changes need to be made.

I keep checking in for a letter to the editor from the super to assure us all that there are procedures and policies in place for incidents like these and that they are followed regardless of the principals involved. How hard is that? No reference to 'facts' out in the public, no mention of individuals. Just tell us that there is a policy, exactly what that policy is, and that it is followed EVERY time. Right now, I have no idea what they do when a child reports incidents like these. Whether it was an innocent misunderstanding, a vengeful bogus accusation, or an improper advance is immaterial from the public's standpoint. What is done, and then happens subsequently to a reported incident? Surely they have a written policy that can be published. Didn't the district get a 3 million dollar 'safe schools' grant for things like this?

Obviously, most times there will be no way to prove which side is truthful, especially when both sides could be truthful but interpret events differently, but that doesn't mean the administration doesn't have some responsibility for what follows. Why was this child left in contact with this teacher without some resolution between the two? Either she is left to think her safety isn't important and are leaving her subject to further incidents or reprisal, or the teacher is left open to more accusations of further incidents or reprisals. It appears from facts known that effectively NOTHING was done. What has been publicly said and done certainly leaves one to interpret that the admin is protecting itself and the staff and allowing dissension among the student body and public to play itself out. And it's playing itself out in intimidation and retaliation against the student, right now! Whether her previous claims are valid or not, there is no doubt that blatant intimidation of her by some in the student body is happening in the school with the knowledge of every teacher and administrator in attendance this last Friday. The teacher is left in limbo with some in the public certain of his guilt because, with past experience, there is no real assurance that the district can or will deal with the issue. That's a failing administration in my book, and I hope the staff and board are sharing that opinion with them to put a stop to it. If not, that says much about the environment there and gives credence to those who accuse this district of collusion and good ol boy tactics with the ultimate goal of preserving itself without regard for the costs to individuals.

Once again, there has been a public failure that has served the community poorly and there should be consequences for those in charge. That needs to be accomplished in short order and it should be made public.

HOW ABOUT THIS PARENTS OR SO CALLED ADULTS! I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ARE HURTING THIS MAN! I THINK ALL ADULTS NEED TO QUIT PUTTING THINGS INTO THE KIDS HEAD! HOW ABOUT YOU HEAR FROM A TEENAGERS THOUGHT STOP GETTING IN THE WAY OF WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS! I AM A STUDENT! AND I THINK YOU PARENTS NEED TO KONW THAT DHS IS A GREAT SCHOOL THEY ARE WONDERFUL ALL THE FACTULTY ALL OF THEM! AND THEY ARE DOING THE BEST THEY CAN DO TO DEAL WITH THIS STUPID STUFF! You know what my thoughts are; well i hope everyone reads up! what would you do if your child came up and said i fill very unsafe with this coach and felt like he got a little to nice and told the story! idk about u but i would make something happen right then not a year later or four years later! if you felt that unsafe get out of the classes out of bball or move schools. dont stay in the class or play the sport for a year longer. and act so so nice to his face and all this and when you dont get your way dont ruin his life! this is all stupid and i think the man is innocent and all this should be dropped but know you have the people who just want to mark this man for life!!!! I know i am just a kid but what happened to freemdom of speech! it is so frustrating to sit hear listen to this man just get crushed by all this! serious parents if this happened to your CHILD you would go up to the door and take control and have him handcuff! once again NOT A YEAR LATER OR FOUR YEARS! And dont worry i have many more thoughts ! and i will do what i can to help him i think i would know more then you parents i had him as a coach for two years bball and 1 yr cross country!

This whole lynch mob mentality is what makes me sick! What happened to innocent until proven guilty? You can bet the tabloid journalists in town would have already made it front page news if legal action had been taken.

All I ask was why all the stupidity of blaming the school for anything involving prosecution. Just makes people show their own stupidity.

thegodfather, who said that legal action hadn't been taken?

"The Godfather", you make me sick! You have no way of knowing what other legal action these children have taken. So, let me enlighten you to the fact that all legal investigations would be kept confidential involving a child until all evidence has been collected. Do your homework before you discredit every story! And if any of this proves true, I hope you can hold your head up after supporting the accused! If you have children, I pray for their safety because they obviously won't get it from you!

What is wrong with the people in this town? Hasnt anyone seen the article about the Coleman teacher? He was put on administrative leave when he was being accused and now he has been arrested.Why is this teacher still at the school, hello, wake up, get him out of the school until they prove him guilty then thow him in jail where he belongs.I know the victim in this case and I believe her 100%. When the truth comes out the people who back the teacher are going to feel like fools.Whatever happened to protecting our children? God help those who are defending this man.

To the victims of this man I am praying for justice and just know there are good people out there who really care about the children.

The "Godfather" is obviously a friend of the accused and not a parent. If you are and your child came to you with this kind of allegation would you simply dismiss it?

These teachers' salaries are paid by the communities tax dollars and every day that a parent pulls up to the curb of that school and leaves their child in the care of the teachers from 8 to 3 means that they should be held accountable for ANYTHING that happens to a child at their hands period!!!

The administration should be held to the same! And as a tax payer who takes part in paying all their salaries as well, I feel that since DISD is responsible for giving my child an education, that I have the right to know exactly what is being done! This "policy" that they hide behind when it's convenient for them is a bunch of bulls**t!

If it were only one child with no witnesses, then there would be reason to question, but when you have several students (current and former) coming forward then you can't exactly call all these girls liars. Most don't even know each other.

My question, is why wasn't something done last year when he was caught on surveillance camera in the middle of the night at the school with a female student? Who was the broom holder on that one being swept under the rug?

With all of this being discussed, I would like to say, we - the taxpayers - the public - have allowed our elected officials to 'govern' without any type of accountability. How many of us (I include myself here) have attended even ONE school board meeting? Do you even know who is on the local board of education? We MUST begin to get involved. We MUST let our elected and appointed officials know that we are watching and will hold them accountable for their actions. The school district is responsible for our money, our children and their futures yet we don't pay attention to any of it until there is some outrageous issue that garners our attention. If we were involved ALL the time, there is a possibility things like this would not rise to this level.

Get involved - Let your voice be heard - Show up to school board meetings, council meetings - Let them know you care - Remind them this is OUR MONEY - OUR CHILDREN - VOTE VOTE VOTE - It DOES matter!!!

So victim when did the school district start getting the right to prosecute anyone? Must be something new. LOL. Most of these comments are just people spouting off about things they really no nothing about.

Sure is funny that nobody seems to be willing to press charges about these "allegations". Oh no, that would actually be against the law to lie in that situation, but you can't be charged for fabricating stories to the tabloid that will obviously run with it.

The people, parents, children, former students, TAX PAYERS, of this community deserve an HONEST answer. The DISD administration and school board have failed us miserably! Wasn't it just a few months ago that a Coleman teacher had "allegations" made against him and he was arrested immediatly and not allowed back to the school? What makes this teacher above the law?

Speculation, rambling, and rumor are what come when people have little faith in those who should be policing the individuals and entities involved. I know there are legal issues related to privacy, but more could be done to reassure everyone that procedures and policies are backed up with integrity and without concern for connections of the administration and the position of those accused of misbehavior. I haven't seen anything in the DISD's past or present actions to inspire that kind of faith. 'Let things take their course' generally means 'we'll deal with it or we won't and you'll never know either way'. It stays in that little clubhouse and there is little accountability apparent to we who are not among the privileged members. What in their past history makes them above reproach?

All you have to look to in recent history is the fiasco that was the football transfer. Those entrusted with the responsibility for insuring rules were followed, failed in that task. That much we know. There was no real public discussion addressing obvious questions and repercussions for those responsible have been made known other than the football team as a whole, which should have been the last on that list to see repurcussions. So do we wonder why many don't give benefit of doubt or trust these same people to properly and ethically respond to an even more serious possible infraction and apparent likely dereliction of duty? Lack of transparency is costly. Declaring doubters to be unfair or ignorant only adds to the aura of arrogance and condescension that seems to surround the DISD administration ( and most other government institutions).

An independent/ aggressive press could go far to fix that. The school could certainly deny or acknowledge if an accusation was made by this student at the time she claims, without naming the faculty member by name. The school could, with the student's permission, deny or acknowledge that the facts regarding her final day in class are true. Through this lawyer, they are intimating more than that, without actually refuting the easily verified facts. They hide behind 'privacy, trust us', but somehow manage to overcome those limits if a 'fact' can be spun to refute the accuser. Does make one wonder, doesn't it?

Did the accusers truly make complaints known, and if so, when and to whom? What actions were taken subsequent to the meetings described?

Was the student accurately describing the act of alleged retaliation when she was accused of cheating and removed from the classroom? There must have been a classroom filled with witnesses aside from other facts to verify that account. If that simply didn't happen, her credibility about events not witnessed by others is of little value and that part of the story should die if there is no other verifiable evidence. So why didn't the school connected lawyer 'source' say that instead of spinning other alleged facts?

Was an investigation launched and if so, who was involved or made aware in the results?

Were the new administrators made aware of the accusations and the results of any investigation, and if so, did they take any action to protect individuals involved and the school district from further exposure to harm? That should have happened regardless of the results of that investigation. If it did or didn't, someone failed in their duties and should suffer consequences for that failure. Just letting things take their natural course was a poor choice it seems, if that was the non-decision approach.

They could answer those questions right now, without naming any names or violation privacy beyond what has already been done by others. The public good outweighs any further possible damage to possible innocents. In fact, public acknowledgment of facts will inspire some confidence that the matter is truly taken seriously instead of just one more storm to weathered while business as usual continues and we, the great unwashed, return to our blissfully oblivious lives. Or, as they would say, let things take their natural course.