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UPDATE: Chesapeake Ohio Teacher Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges Save Email Print
Posted: 1:47 PM May 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:37 AM May 19, 2008
 Reporter: Kari Adkins
Email Address: kari.adkins@wsaz.com
142 comments
A | A | A

CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WSAZ) --A local school teacher charged with juvenile sexual battery made his first court appearance Monday morning

Donald Clark Jr. taught math at Chesapeake, Ohio High School.

The superintendent says Clark resigned last week.

Investigators say evidence shows the 29- year old had consensual, but inappropriate sexual contact with a female, teenage student.

Today in Lawrence County Muncipal Court, the alleged victim had a protective order issued restricting any contact with the felony suspect.

Donald Clark is still in jail on a fifty thousand dollar bond.

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Oh. (WSAZ) -- The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department arrested a teacher from the Chesapeake School District Friday.

Donald Clark Jr. was arrested and charged with sexual battery.

Children's Services was involved in the case as well. The case was started when they were told that a male teacher may have had inappropriate contact with a female student.

Sexual Battery is a Felony of the Third Degree.

Clark is being held in the Lawrence County Jail and will appear in the Lawrence County Municipal County on May 19th.
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Posted by: anonymous on Jul 14, 2008 at 10:56 AM
All these blogs and nothing has been done about the guy. Anyone know when his trial is or why nothing is said on the local news. Also what has been done with the administration that knew about it. Is the system of Chesapeake crazy? Parents wake up and find out what is going on!!!!
Posted by: On Looker on Jun 10, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Poor cocky freshman- If this is how you were taught at Chesapeake I would hate the school too. You better learn something in the next three years or you will be like most graduates from this school system. You can't talk, you can't write but if you are lucky you will become an administrator.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 9, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Well, who doesn't hate their school???
Posted by: cocky freshman on Jun 9, 2008 at 01:31 AM
well the whole chesapeake system is screwed up with all these teachers having affairs and it is true, i know them, and a member on the school board runnin his mouth about good people. i attend CHS and i kno whats goin on and i hate the scool now and just about everyone in it
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 at 10:05 AM
To be honest, he was a good teacher. I had him when he was at Fairland, during my last year there. I agree, though. He is an adult and he should pay the price, but the girl is just as guilty. Consider that the girl is a teenager, and that's old enough to make decisions for yourself. If she's going to consider herself old enough to make such an adult decision, they should treat her as such. Everyone is always so concerned with protecting the student (and students should always be protected) but people should also stop to think about all parties involved.
Posted by: shame on shame on Jun 3, 2008 at 06:06 PM
It sounds like you have an axe to grind. I've known this family since 1992 and I have never gotten the impression that they thought they were better than anyone else. I am a female with children and I would be extremely angry with my daughter's teacher but I'd be just as disappointed with her. I too remember being 16 and I knew right from wrong and had a little more class than chasing after a teacher. I'm not saying he wasn't dead wrong, but I disagree that her actions should be dismissed.
Posted by: shame, shame on May 30, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I went to grade/middle school with JR & this must be embarassing for his family. However, they did always act like they were better than everyone else in their little house in SP. Moving on.....at 16, you haven't learned 'the real world.' I am a female and at 16 I didn't know anything, however, I thought I knew everything! So her actions should be dismissed. At 29, you've lived quite some time in the 'real world.' He's obviously gone to college, started a career, settled down in the tri-state, so it's shame, shame on him, not her. He's a smart man to those of you at CHS & can make comments of support, but you, yourself have not been in the 'real world' either. Just wait until you have a child & you'll do anything to keep her away from a man like that. You thought you knew that man, that man you looked up to, that man that taught you or coached you.....well you didn't...not at all! He's an adult, 29 is an adult. What he did was wrong, stupid & he knew better. Now go pay the price.
Posted by: parent on May 30, 2008 at 09:10 AM
How do you people know what the administration investigated? I am not aware that the administration is obliged to share with the public all the details of an investigation. If you were being investigated, administrators would be held to the same standards of privacy for you. The police investigating this particular issue stated that the superintendent reported this situation to Children's Services. Just because someone didn't call and tell YOU all the details of the investigation (one that was done in order to substantiate rumor) doesn't mean an investigation didn't occur. By the way he wasn't arrested because of rumors, he was arrested after law enforcement completed an investigation that was initiated by THE SCHOOL! Ask yourself, what do you really KNOW. Were you personally involved in this matter or are you basing everything on "someone" in the community who "heard from someone in the community"? If this is how you operate then we are in trouble.
Posted by: debbie on May 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Teachers and administrators are bound by the Ohio Revised Code concerning their knowledge of child abuse. If a teacher knows about abuse and doesn't report it, they could possibly lose their teaching license. Same thing for an administator. In this case the administrators were told repeatedly.
Posted by: anonymous 2 on May 29, 2008 at 09:03 AM
You better believe I believe the Supt. and an administrator has covered this situation. Ask her if she didn't know all this was going on in the fall of last year and it was covered up. Ask her if she wasn't out to his house after he was caught. Ask her if her female good friend (a teacher in the school system) isn't still seen with him. I hate that this has happened. He has a wonderful family. But he broke the law. A teacher isn't arrested just because of rumors. He, like all the rest think they are beyond getting caught. Of course he thought he had the pull of the select few in the school system to protect him. He will find out where his friends are now. People open your eyes and ask questions. Demand answers and learn to intimidate the higher ups like they love to intimidate the people under them. Know who is teaching your children. Of course the board just sits and listens to the gorified baloney that this administration gives them every month. That is all they go on.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 28, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Apparently, many of you would have someone tried and convicted based upon rumors. The courts haven't even done that. It takes more than rumor and "I just know" to fire someone. Do you honestly believe that the administrators/superintendent/board are working together to conspire to keep teachers/staff who are doing illegal/immoral acts? On looker-you seem to have a personal ax to grind. What makes you think the current board/super are turning their heads? If they were you would still have these teachers on staff. Or, would you have someone come to your place of business and fire you based on rumors without evidence. The community, including the teachers and administrators do care about the students and the schools, otherwise they wouldn't be there. There are others ways to earn a living without having all these people second guess their every action.
Posted by: On looker on May 28, 2008 at 09:03 AM
To Leave You have got to be kidding. People have tried not to gossip and stand up for their community. We are not the ones letting it down. You have a teacher that broke the law, you have administrators that are not honest, and board members that turn their heads on all this that goes on. Oh yes they would truly pray for the teachers and children's well being. They could care less. Wake up!!!!! Oh I pray for the community. I hope it's not to late.
Posted by: Leave? on May 27, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Well, first the leave can be handed in by the teacher on any date, but then has to be approved by the board. I guess in this case the approval was made on May 23. I am praying that for all of you here the same type of "leave" is granted to you by the Great Almighty when you come to pass before his throne. Will you report to him how you helped your community and neighbors by not passing gossip, but by praying for their well being as they would do for you.
Posted by: junior at chesapeake on May 26, 2008 at 09:21 PM
to "mary," really? calling him a rat? come on. you obviously dont know who youre talking about to call him that.
Posted by: my-my on May 26, 2008 at 12:20 PM
This is to "to can't wait to be done...on May 25th." You seem to come across like "z" in another comment. Why be so demeaning? Try compassion if you think someone needs help. Being judgmental is a no-no.
Posted by: parent on May 25, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I personally think the case should be dropped. The parents knew about it and they were okay with it. With their signature, the could have gotten Married. It's not like they were hiding from them.
Posted by: Mary on May 25, 2008 at 03:09 PM
He has proven he has no place in the class room...29 he knew what he was doing and the chance he was taking...he does need some jail time ...let him think it over....no matter teacher or not hes a RAT..
Posted by: to can't wait to be done... on May 25, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Look's like you need to go back to English class or ask your son for some tutoring.
Posted by: heath on May 23, 2008 at 11:05 PM
For those who would question why those in the know are not reporting it to the "appropriate authorities". Most school systems "encourage" you to follow the chain of command in reporting complaints or allegations. Who's at the top of that chain? In Chesapeakes case that would be the superintendent. Who realy wants to committ career suicide.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 23, 2008 at 07:45 PM
For all of you who "know" all these things that are going on in Chesapeake, submit your evidence to the appropriate authorities. I guarantee that no one has anything other than malicious rumors that gossips keep perpetuating for their own enjoyment. If you have evidence of wrongdoing and don't forward it to the authorities then YOU are part of the problem. If you don't have evidence then keep your rumors to yourself.
Posted by: On Looker on May 23, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Yes Heath you ask very good questions. Our questions, are the reason they are no longer on the HD blogs. How could anyone not question? After being at the board meeting and learning that the elected board gave the pricipals the right to hire blew my mind. You people don't get it. You are paying this board and they turn over their rights to the pricipals. People... the principals and the teachers and even the good Dr. are under the board. The school system is in trouble. What is the use of the board? Save money and just let the select few run your schools. The state will be taking over soon. I can see it now. Only people that will get hired are the puppets for the principals.
Posted by: Cant wait to be done on May 23, 2008 at 06:26 PM
My child will graduate from Chesapeake Saturday evening and I cant wait. Im done with the school system. My child had Mr Clark as a teacher. my child was doing very bad in his class. I tried talking to Mr Clark . I got no where, my child got know where. Mr clark told my childs class that he was not going to help them know more with there Math, Just a few days later he was gone. My child has a D in his class when Mr clark left. My son ended the class with all most an A . {He was only gone for 2 weeks} My oppion He was only there for the popluar, Preps, athlete, and he didnt care about the other children. That is one of Chesapeake's biggest problems, it what your last name is or How much money your familys has, When my child started school I was so happy. After 12 years I am so glsd I can say WE ARE THREW THANK YOU LORD !!!!!!!
Posted by: heath on May 23, 2008 at 05:46 PM
The Herald Dispatch quoted Dr. Howard as saying JR resigned the first part of May. Check out the agenda from the Thursday May 22nd board meeting. His resignation became effective Friday May 23rd. He had been on sick leave. What kind of leave covers you for being in jail?
Posted by: class of 06 on May 22, 2008 at 06:31 PM
The parents definitely should be ashamed of letting their daughter see a man 13 years older than her.
Posted by: wow on May 22, 2008 at 01:21 AM
everyone quit being so indenial. IT HAPPENED. get over it. no he is not a child predator because she knew what she was doing as well as he did. they were just stupid and got caught. yeah it should have never happened in the first place but it did. shes not a 5 year old that cant make her own decisions and yes there should be consequences for her but dont u think that public humiliation is enough. i think they both understand what they did now. all that anyone can say is it shouldnt of happened. but it did. the end
Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Kyle.....the way things are today anyone could get shot at any job.
Posted by: Kyle on May 21, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Lastly, let's not forget all of the teachers who work for twenty five or thirty years andnever violate the public's trust.Plus, how many of you have to worry about being shot at your job?
Posted by: Kyle on May 21, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I realize that this is just just another drop in the ocean but,as the child of two teachers in the Chesapeake system, and an alum; I feel I need to say something. Teachers are not perfect, trust me I know, but neither is anyone else; has anyone heard any Catholic priest jokes lately, watched a good sitcom with rampant sexual harrassment in the office? A school is not a haven from the outside world, it is the world in a microscope. It is a workplace for the faculty and staff and has the same problems as any other. People face temptation at their jobs all the time, ever hear the phrase inter-office affair? Is what this teacher did right? of course not, but don't pretend that you are shocked and outraged that a teacher would do such a thing, if a priest,a Senator, or a President can have "innapropriate sexual realations", how can you expect a teacher to be perfect?
Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 10:23 AM
you cant be a pradator if the other person was willing as well. Maybe we all forgot that this is not all his fault. The teenager is at fault as well as her parents. So should the 16 year old be a predator as well. because i mean she did it on her own. she invited him to her house. at least the teacher wasnt a 45 year old pervert. but then again you all will agree when i say if this was a college student and a college teacher this wouldnt even be on here it would be one of those oh who cares there in college.. Get over this topic and let the man go.
Posted by: Hope on May 21, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I appreciate the opinions of you all, but I have to tell those who write in ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME that I really don't read your posts. Does anyone? If you want to be heard, be judicious with your CAPS.
Posted by: ParentsShouldLead on May 21, 2008 at 08:26 AM
in reply to Panther mom. a good way to start in cleaning up the issues you mention, in regards to students thinking they can do it to, is to enact a dress code. Most schools today allow provacative clothing and have little ability to rein in people's 'wild child' or control the language they use, when they do try, then it's the system not being fair. If teachers used the language that many students frequently do, they'd be brought up on similiar charges. If parents would be their kids parent and stop trying to be their buddy, things wouldn't be in the crapper, such as they are.
Posted by: anon on May 21, 2008 at 07:23 AM
To "z". I'm glad you got your point across to be humorous to lighten the mood. You did wink, didn't you? You see, I do not have a dog in this fight and it ISN'T humorous, as you think it is (or are) ;-). I see it as childish to point out someone else's misuse of certain words and that it makes you look uppity. Don't look down your nose at people that isn't of your stature, if you are (or is) ;-)really a teacher. You even corrected someone's use of 'is' instead of 'are'. Now that is (or are);-) what I call petty. I do believe you are (or is) ;-) mistake proof, you've told us that in so many words. It seems there are only 2 people in this world that are (or is) ;-)perfect, "God" and "z". You are (or is) ;-) the only one that it seems to bother. I'd say if it rained, since your nose is (or are) ;-)so high in the air, you'd drown from the water. You see, I had to use both words (is and are) or you'd have nit-picked that too. But of course teachers do teach, not ridicule, right? ;-) ;-)
Posted by: Z on May 21, 2008 at 12:49 AM
To Anon--I'm glad you taught yourself the past tense of the word "hang"; however, you should also research this age old grammar rule that "pictures get hung, people get hanged." Of course, I by no means, am trying to use this word in reference to Mr. Clark's punishment. 'Just thought these little grammar lessons could lighten the mood on this forum. ;-)
Posted by: LISA on May 20, 2008 at 10:23 PM
OMG!!! YOU PEOPLE ARE KILLING ME GETTING ON HERE CORRECTING OTHER PEOPLES GRAMMAR MISTAKES....GROW UP!!!!!!!! THE ISSUE IS THAT A 29 YEAR OLD MAN WAS HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A 16 YEAR OLD. ANYONE WHO THINKS THAT IS ALRIGHT NEEDS TO GO JOIN ONE OF THOSE POLYGAMIST CULTS. IF MR. CLARK WAS HAVING A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS YOUNG GIRL THAN HE DEFINITELY DESERVES TIME IN PRISON. HE IS A TEACHER AND ANY RELATIONSHIP OTHER THAN A TEACHER STUDENT IS NOT APPROPRIATE. NO WONDER CHESAPEAKE IS THE WAY IT IS WHEN PEOPLE GET ON HERE DEFENDING SOMEONE WHO WOULD HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH AN UNDERAGE GIRL. SO WOULD IT BE ALRIGHT IF HE WAS HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A 14 YEAR OLD? THE PARENTS NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ALSO. I WOULD NEVER APPROVE OF MY DAUGHTER DATING SOMEONE THAT WAS ALMOST TWICE HER AGE WHEN SHE IS ONLY 16. HE IS A PREDATOR!!!!
Posted by: realist on May 20, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Just a resource that may shed some light on the frequency of false allegations regarding sexual abuse.http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/res/csa-acc.html
Posted by: So. OH teacher on May 20, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I've been upset since I heard about this case. I have been checking both WSAZ and the Herald Dispatch (HD) trying to find out what happened. So many have cursed the Chesapeake schools, but according to HD the school contacted child services once it was brought to the attention of the administration. Not to mention that Mr. Clark resigned before the media ever caught wind of the story. The truth is there is scandal every where, in hospitals, law offices, political offices, neighborhoods, churches and schools. Adult affairs do not have direct impact on students. However, teachers are required to protect students, and to act in place of parents (in loco parentis) when they are not present. I don't think dating students qualifies as acting in place of a parent. With that said, he will not teach again, that is most likely. If the state decides to convict on sex charges, that is up to a jury. Let our legal system do its job. He has a family; give them some peace.
Posted by: chessy resident on May 20, 2008 at 05:34 PM
For Go Dragons People in glass houses should not throw stones. You need to do some checking within your own system and see that on 2 separate occasions teachers have left due to contact with students, and neither of those men had to go to jail.
Posted by: mom on May 20, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Why now? How long had it been going on and now its all came out? Did he try to break it off or something so the 16yo decided to let the cat out of the bag? I know its wrong for him and it shouldn't happen but it did but people should look at all sides of the story cause this man could haft to be listed as a sex offender and no longer have a job as a teacher.And I'm sure the parents had to know something going on from the way it seem to me they should be charged with neglect. Then the 16yo will see the actions on herself as well as this teacher! So why not punish all for the crime as well as the teacher. I think child services should be looking into the parents as well as them looking into the teacher!! But why now has all this came up some reason for it too makes one wonder!!!
Posted by: concerned student on May 20, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Mr. Clark was my teacher, and he never made me feel uncomfortable, and I never once thought he would do something like this. Since I am a student I have heard many rumors, but this is a small school and that happens often. I dont know if he actually did engage in these acts, but I do know that his life will never be the same. He has been branded as a predator, and his reputation is tarnished. I wish the best for him and I hope this whole thing blows over. Maybe one day not too far from now he will be able to lead a normal life again.
Posted by: holt on May 20, 2008 at 03:37 PM
George, that was a very nasty comment. I know the girl and she's a very mature girl, she knew what she was doing and she could've stopped it just as much as JR could have, but they didn't. It is both their fault. Actually it's their fault for getting caught. If the parents didn't care, which they should have by the way, then who cares. Student/teacher relationships happen all the time, some just don't get caught. And JR is a good person and no one should be making comments on here that say, "rot in jail." Come on. Grow up.
Posted by: SP ' 08 on May 20, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Wow! This blows my mind. Anyone that doesn't think this guy should get in trouble is ridiculous. I don't know if he should go to jail, but I'm sure he'll never teach again, and that works for me.It makes me sick to think of PERVERTED teachers. The girl is 16, it's like a fantasy to her. Mr. Clark is supposed to be a person that these KIDS look up to, not someone checking out young girls when they walk by. That thought just makes me shiver. It's disgusting. Obviously neither one of them knows right from wrong, or we wouln't be here. I honestly think that the girl should get in trouble too-just for her own good. It will probably help her out in the long run, because if her parents accept these kinds of actions at age 16, I would hate to see where she's at in 5 years or so.I hope child services looks into it further. Thumbs down Mr. Clark...
Posted by: CHS SENIOR on May 20, 2008 at 03:23 PM
To chsstudent. First of all speak for yourself. I'm not behind mr.clark at all! He knew exactly what he was doing and what it could do to his rep. and career. I do agree with the fact that 2 years ago I was 16 and I KNEW right from wrong and what could become of any actions that i decided to take. She is to blame as well as he is. The fact of the matter is that Mr.Clark was the ADULT and he was in authority of all of us. He was CONSTANTLY flirting,texting, and taking calls. That did affect his teaching, he'd even take calls in the middle of our tests,which was a major distraction, if I might add. He did this to himself, let him take the punishment and blame. BY THE WAY you young "teachers" get rid of your myspaces/facebooks everyone finds ways to add you that don't add us AND a sub stitute just added me!So think about it. You're the educators so please get "smart".
Posted by: a chesapeake parent on May 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM
This man needs to spend time in jail. There is NO excuse for a 29 yr. old man to have relations with a 16 yr. old student. Unreal that some of you defend him.
Posted by: anon on May 20, 2008 at 01:07 PM
To "z", I checked the dictionary and found 'hung' is indeed the correct word. It is past tense and past participle of HANG. And I am not a teacher. Don't be so quick to judge someone else's wording. What really makes the difference? HUH!! HUH!! HUH!!
Posted by: BC807 on May 20, 2008 at 12:57 PM
I know JR personally, and i know that he wouldnt do this. There has been rumors before, but they were not true. With this girl who I also know well and I have dated her. JR is a great guy. He was my track coach last year and he always pushed me to do my best and he even gave me some life lessons as I view them. I look up to him because he is a great guy, athlete, teacher and friend. I plan to become a Algebra teacher myself and a track coach and i hope that i can become half the guy he isIm not going to get real deep into this, but i support JR all the way. I love ya man and i miss ya. You are a great teacher and i miss havin you in class
Posted by: chsalumni on May 20, 2008 at 12:37 PM
GEORGE..buddy, my response is YES, this situation should be taken care of. Clark shouldn't be able to teach but by NO MEANS should this have been blow so out of proportion. His life is RUINED. Everyone in the tristate could do some growing up and stop speaking so horridly of him and re-examine their own lives. No one is perfect, everyone breaks laws. I'm positive everyone in this has done SOMETHING illegal. So why judge everyone else so harshly? If this were one of your acquaintances, in this situation, you'd be defending him! MORE IMPORTANTLY, MY REASON FOR BEING HERE * I'm with CHS Student - WE'RE BEHIND YOU JR! YOU HAVE MUCH MORE SUPPORT THAN THESE IGNORANT PEOPLE MAKING SNAP JUDGEMENTS WITHOUT ANY FACT OF THE SITUATION. CONSENSUAL WITH A PARENTAL CONSENT, HE IS NOT A PERVERT. JR IS IN MOST EVERYONE'S PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. I HOPE YOU CAN GET PAST THIS SITUATION AND MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR YOURSELF.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Please remember that we do not know the FACTS yet. The media can make anything sound the way they want. They may prove that nothing happened and this was just a bunch of rumors. Unfortunately, if he is cleared of all charges, that will probably not make the headline news and no one will hear the truth. A good man will be ruined because people can't mind their own business. God tells us that it is not our place to judge. We have a court of law for these matters. Let the court decide judgement and we can spend our time praying for those involved. I am sure the girl is going through her own problems. I can't imagine that the students are being very nice to her either. None of us are saints.
Posted by: z on May 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
To "Prim"- Your comment is grammatically incorrect. You said, "If the grammar and spelling... IS any indication..." The sentence should read as follows: "if the grammar and spelling ...ARE any indication..." I'm from Chesapeake, and my English teachers taught me WELL. When I was a student there, the wisdom to not get involved with a teacher came from my parents' guidance, and the Bible.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 10:49 AM
well i hear everyone new about these two even her family accepted him and really with her age that is sorta what matters is her parents just because he was a teacher and the age. now i bet if he was a college teacher and something like that would of happend it would be nothing because there age was so much closer get over it people rummors are they was dating. Her parents new and liked him. Her parents are teachers as well. Plus as i hear a couple of girls turned him in because they gave them a bad grade on a paper and the other girl got a little better then them on the paper and they got made. This hole thing is so stupid. And if teachers are supposed to know better then why do so many teachers go for students. even the girl teachers go for guys. and as well i hear this man was not the only one at fault i hear he got busted so he let everyone know about the teachers at chesapeake that was fulling around with other teachers they all got fired to. I dont blame they should be punished to.
Posted by: SJ on May 20, 2008 at 09:59 AM
GKhan, its not a stupid thing to say. He didn't force himself on a 12 year old. He had a consensual (WRONG, but consensual) relationship with a 16 yr old. At 16 you know what your doing. I never said don't punish him. I don't think he should teach but I don't think being branded a sex offender for the rest of his life is right either. Take a minute and think about what that means. It will affect every job (if he can find one doing anything), where he lives, if he wants to go to church its gonna be tough to find one without any kids in it, every facet of his life. Punish him, but don't get so extreme. As for chesapeake being such a horrible place, look around people. Things like this go on everywhere, they just don't all end out in the open. Coach from Fairland ring any bells? He works in a school in KY, now. Quit pointing your self-righteous fingers.
Posted by: CHS&CES Parent on May 20, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Like this is the only school in the country that this happens in. Chesapeake is in no way shape or form the 1st nor will it be the last. It's happened in almost all the surrounding schools and States. People it really doesn't matter how nice a guy u THINK he is if he's your friend or U went to school with him or if it was a consenting act. Fact is he's 29 and a teacher. He had been warned of the inappropriate behavior and was ask to resign. From what i can find out this was an anonymous call to cps (so don't go parent bashing). This man is responsible for teaching/leading/mentoring our children. Um ya wonderful role model(insert sarcasim). What has been happening in the other schools has nothing to do with this and steps have been taken and more to come on some of these situations. If u think for 1 min that Jr is the only one hurt by this then u must be crazy. Why would they think this relationship would wk? Maybe in 10-20 yrs but not @29 & 16 let's be serious.
Posted by: z on May 20, 2008 at 12:57 AM
to "k", I'm also a teacher and the appropriate word for "hung" is "hanged". I hope you don't teach English.
Posted by: reality on May 20, 2008 at 12:54 AM
just because a 16 year old student is consenting does not make it right. as a teacher you are a role model and held to a higher set of standards. any teacher should know better than to do what this teacher is being accused of. now i have no idea if he is guilty or not and i am not saying he is guilty, but if he is there is no excuse for it. 16 or not, it was a student OFF LIMITS ANYTIME.
Posted by: vb on May 20, 2008 at 12:54 AM
JR is a good guy, he just got caught up in something that is bad and unfortunate. I know JR personally and yes he messed up, but if you knew him then you wouldn't be saying the things that are being said on this page. it's chesapeake and I feel like it is the center of gossip in the whole country! and that's sad. at age 16 I knew very well what I was doing and so I blame them both. I do feel like JR should know better, but he shouldnt be trashed on here by everyone. He comes from a good family and is a good person. let it go.
Posted by: CHS Student on May 19, 2008 at 11:21 PM
why are adults so blind? can someone please tell me the difference between being 16 and 18? I am currently 18 years old and a female and I can tell you FOR A FACT that 2 years ago I was very aware of my actions and the consequences to those actions. I had Mr. Clark in class, he was an excellent educator. How dare you people make these assumptions when the only "facts" that you know are coming from the media. HELLO people, if we know anything we know that the media is biased and loves causing a stir. This girl KNEW what she was doing! Yes, it was his responsibility to put a stop to anything before it happened, but he made a mistake And now his life is ruined because of one girl who will lead a perfectly normal life and HE will be branded with the scarlet letter for the rest of his. and to everyone slandering Chesapeake, please try and find a school where nothing like this has ever happened! Good Luck! and as a CHS Senior I think its safe to say that we are behind you Mr. Clark!
Posted by: anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 11:20 PM
If this was a consensual realatioship then let the guy off the hook, hold him accountable for breaking the teacher/student code of ethics but let it go there. Especially if the parents knew about it!!! She is as much to blame as him and you don't see her awaiting the possibility of going to jail. AND what happened to Innocent until proven guilty.....it is just easier for everyone to point the finger. I know J.R and I would take his word over a 16 y.o girl any day!!
Posted by: George on May 19, 2008 at 11:12 PM
CHS Alumni - -your statement is foolish. It was Consenesual??....who cares. Do you think its right for a 29 yr. old teacher to be involved with a 16 yr. old student? Its ok if its consensual? is 15 yrs old ok? 14? 13 - -if its consensual. The adult needs to realize that it is absolutely wrong - . JR is a pervert - needs to spend a long time in jail. Parents should too. As for the girl - it was dumb -but a t4eacher should curtail that behavior -thats partially what they are there for. Rot in prison JR.
Posted by: anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 10:31 PM
mr clark was a great person to be around and liked to have fun.. i made my best math grades in his class becuase of the way he taught he was juss an all around great teacher and ill miss him.. im prayin for ya mr clark your gonna get out of this! you got God on your side!
Posted by: Prim on May 19, 2008 at 10:23 PM
If the grammer and spelling I see in these e-mails is any indication of the level of education at Chesapeake High School, some English teachers need to be fired and some new ones hired. Maybe the teachers need to concentrate on the subjects they were hired to teach instead of having affairs with the students.
Posted by: peakkke on May 19, 2008 at 10:03 PM
JR Clark is not a bad person. He made a mistake and should pay for it, but not jail time. When I was 16 years old I knew right from wrong and I was raised the correct way and if I were messing around with a TEACHER my parents WOULD NOT approve of that. It's embarrassing. She should be embarrassed to show her face in Chesapeake as I know JR is now. It's just unfortunate for JR because I KNOW personally that JR is a good person, he just messed up. We all have. NO ONE is perfect people. It's JR Clark right now, but here in a week someone else will be talked about and he will be left in the dust. Different day, different person to talk about. Like I said, it's Chesapeake. GOSSIP GOSSIP GOSSIP! Let it go...
Posted by: chessy resident on May 19, 2008 at 09:57 PM
in response to a loving mother the article says had consensual but inappropriate sexual contact with a female teenage student. contact not sexual intercourse lets be clear they are 2 different things, although they are still inappropriate but still 2 different things.and since we all know her parents knew who really cares, they knew and accepted the relationship so just let it be why aren't her parents being punished?Looks to me like they should be charged with neglect or endangerment or something everyone is so quick to judge this teacher but what about the parents maybe if they weren't so over-indulgent of their kids no one would be in this situation
Posted by: gkhan on May 19, 2008 at 09:54 PM
SJ wht a stupid thing to say, she's 16 yr old not a kid.There is a reason for laws they dont just pull numbers out of hats.IE voting age, drinking age,enlistment age,so just let him man up. I know him to he is a good guy ,he just forgot the rules now he has to pay the price.
Posted by: stuuuuudent on May 19, 2008 at 09:50 PM
i want my grade changed from a d for his class last year
Posted by: k on May 19, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I'm a teacher at different school district and there is one thing that I have learned: Teenagers lie. They lie to be funny, they lie to get out of trouble and they lie to get others in trouble. It's my understanding (from speaking with those ACTUALLY involved with this case) an anonymous tip was called into Children Services. Who is to say that the tip was truthful? Maybe another student with a grudge called. Most of the blogs already have JR tried and hung. What if he is actually innocent and proven so? His name is ruined. His career that he has worked so hard for is ruined. So far, everyone is commenting on the little information given by the media and a whole lot of rumors that are circulating. I don't condone inappropriate behaviors amongst teachers and students but I do believe in innocent until proven guilty. But unfortunately, even if found innocent- this will hang over his head for the rest of his life just as if he was found guilty.
Posted by: ches parent on May 19, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Common sense...I have to say that I agree with you. He is an ADULT. He knew better and he should pay for his actions. I don't care what the situation is he should have never crossed that line. I am not surprised that this happened at Chesapeake. A lot of the teachers at the CMS and CHS shouldn't be in the teaching field. We send our kids to school to be educated....not to get involved with teachers, not to be bullied and not to be tormented. I am not saying that Mr. Clark is a bad guy....I don't know him.....but if he is guilty of this he needs some major mental help. If the parents were aware of this flirting or whatever was going on then they should also be held responsible. For everyone that is commenting and saying that there is no way that he could of done this....that is exactly what people said about my predator. No one knows what anyone else is capable of doing. HE IS AN ADULT AND HE TOOOK AN OATH TO BE A TEACHER NOT A COMPANION FOR HIS STUDENTS.
Posted by: CHSAlumni on May 19, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Labeling Clark a "pedophile" is entirely out of line. Many men in this community could be considered a a pedophile or a pervert, it doesn't mean they're being put through a trial and having their life ruined. Think a little more carefully before you post things. If you saw the news, you heard it announced the encounters were CONSENUAL. So, if you're going to use a label, label both parties and the parents, not just the adult [who is already taking all blame and consequences!]
Posted by: anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 06:39 PM
umm,16 not an adult not old enough to vote 29 awe yes an adult & a teacher trusted with our children. hum whats wrong with this scenario? just because a child knows right from wrong doesn't mean that they are to blame. It doesn't matter if the parents know or approved the law is the law & if it is reported & investigated & proof was found that there was inappropriate behavior it falls on the adult aka in this case a teacher who by all means should have known better (& from what I have been told was warned much earlier that this did not look good & that it should have been stopped).NO ONE no matter who u r can say oh ya he would never do this just because u think u know someone doesn't mean u do. Better people than he have been proven guilty of things so don't say u know someone & bet your life on it you might not win this one
Posted by: Shane on May 19, 2008 at 06:27 PM
This blows my mind. JR should be locked up. He is a predator. He is an adult & teacher. I dont care if a 16 year old is willing - -she is a student/child....& any relationship she would have wanted should have been thwarted by the adult/teacher. Lock him up....I sure in the heck dont want my daughter or anybody elses daughter around this predator. He needs to grow up & want to be with a woman - not a child - I dont care how bad she "loved" him - - he is a pathetic individual that cant control himself. Lock him up!
Posted by: student on May 19, 2008 at 06:17 PM
im glad mr clark isnt in jail right now. i know he did something stupid,but she needs to have her face posted up here..embarass her..its half her fault. and the parents too..print their faces on here for everyone to see. mr clark is ruined but they dont get any kind of punishment. thats just plain wrong. mr clark did something wrong and stupid, but now hes paying for it.. its time to give the girl and her parents what they deserve!!
Posted by: Teacher on May 19, 2008 at 05:41 PM
As a teacher, I can not imagine being in a situation like this. Teachers are supposed to be the one that can be responsible and act appropriately. A teacher, in no way shape or form, should have a relationship beyond the teacher/student relationship. Obviously this teacher, if proven guilty, has crossed that barrier and will have to pay. This man from Chesapeake and the other man from Rock Hill give teachers a bad name and I will be the first to condemn and throw my stones at these ridiculous excuses for educators. This type of thing has happened in the past and unfortunately could continue in the future. Though, not all teachers are sex offender. My experience as a student and as an educator has been filled with fantastic, mentoring, student/teacher relationships. I can only speak for myself, you will not find this teacher in one of these stories.
Posted by: anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 05:22 PM
I am a student at chesapeake high school and there is no way that Mr.Clark could ever do something like this. He is an awesome teacher and a great person. There is no way that he would ever force himself upon somebody let alone a student.If the parnets knew about it then they should be locked up also, the student is old enough to say no if she wanted to.I believe that he is not guilty, and this whole thing is just one big mistake.So what is going to happen now? All she is going to do is go one with her life and act like nothing has happened, but now Mr.Clark is ruined.
Posted by: fhs student on May 19, 2008 at 05:07 PM
his was my 9 grade math teacher at fairland high. i just saw it on tv. that is sad.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Everyone is saying that JR couldn't have forced himself on anyone. Maybe not, but he wasn't man enough to put a stop to the situation before it happened! You shouldn't put any of the blame on the student. Yeah, she probably did know right from wrong. It's the teacher/adult who has to be responsible enough to not follow thru with it. Parents too. They're all sick. If you ever plan on doing anything wrong around here, you better hope you are a star basketball player. Then, you might hae a chance of getting away with it. Guess what, I'm from Chesapeake!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
It is a shame that the Herald Dispatch has taken all the blogs about Chesapeake School system off their site. Guess you will be next. It sure proves "they" don't want peoples views out in the public. Not just views- the truth.
Posted by: anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Yes,it is terrible all the way around and yes she should have known better but so should he! HE is the adult HE is the teacher With a reputation to protect and he is there to teach our children not have affairs with them.This doesn't happen only in Chesapeake as someone has said. This happens everywhere.My line of work deals directly with this type of issue(and even worse ones).Bottom line is He's the ADULT and the teacher if he chose to have a relationship with this student then shame on him.He only has himself to blame in the long run.Do you really think that in this day and age that a 13 year age difference in a relationship is going to work? We don't live 20,30,or 40 years ago.Should he be held accountable for adult actions what would you say if it were your family going through this? Everyones prayers should be with both families. People are jumping to conclusions. You weren't there you don't know what has went on you cannot judge from the outside looking in.
Posted by: booger on May 19, 2008 at 03:35 PM
How many teachers out there are pedophiles? Every week there's another story about some teacher messing around with students. Two seperate stories just today. Why doesn't the school boards just go directly to the jail and hand out applications? Would be quicker and easier that way.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Everyone here needs to remember that he is the adult here, not her. He had he responsibiliy of doing the right thing. If we don't trust someone to vote until they are 18, it is for a reason.
Posted by: CHS Fan on May 19, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Too All The fans,students,parents this is a sad time for all of us.But lets not run the teacher in the ground because others will take care of that.my dad would always tell me just because you have a bad morning dont make it a bad day.see we dont know both sides of the story.so what can we say about this nothing at all.i think we just need to pray for the teacher and the student.if the teacher is found guilty then that will change things.so all i can say now is Go Peake !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: SJ on May 19, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I've known JR most of my life. He is in NO WAY a predator!!!! He's not just someone I recognize. I KNOW him. He's my friend. He's guilty of being stupid, but he would never force himself on anyone. Its not right that this girl's parents knew about this and now they are "victims". 16 year olds are not children. They are fully aware of their actions. Her life will go on. His is ruined.
Posted by: a loving mother on May 19, 2008 at 01:27 PM
um, hello, he was arrested, Where there's smoke there's fire. Read the article- It says EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT THEY HAD SEX! TEACHERS SHOULD NOT HAVE SEX WITH STUDENTS PERIOD!
Posted by: michelle on May 19, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I know this sounds awful, but this has been going on since I was in high school 20-25 years ago. I had several friends that had "flings" with our teachers. I never did but I know they were just as willing as the teacher was. I truly believe that at high school age, we as human beings know right from wrong. I think both made horrible mistakes they might regret but I don't think this guy should be labeled a "child molester." I don't think a high schooler is a child by any shape or form!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Please remember that there are all kinds of people in the world. And that includes people who have no problem starting false rumors to ruin someone's life. If that is the case, I hope they understand the magnitude of what they have done. They have not just caused a little trouble for JR, but they have essential ruined his life and the his family's. If he had any kind of sexual relationship with this girl, whether consensual or not and whether the parents knew or not, then he should be receive the appropriate sentence. This does not mean being in prison for the rest of his life. Murderer's don't even stay in prison for life. Everyone needs to step back and look at the situation objectively. If the girl did not consent, then it should be considered rape. Otherwise, it isn't like the girl was a toddler. Unfortunately, in this day, we have to almost have a scale of misconduct. Maybe we should start at home with all of our children and teach them right from wrong.
Posted by: yeah, yeah, yeah on May 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
She should be made to pay for his bail.Her parents knew what was going on. Neither one is dumb or blind. She also should have been in court to watch his fait.Not in school.
Posted by: Summer on May 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
HE IS NOT A PREDITOR!!!!!you dont know him..and she was willing..he didnt force himself on her...it makes me mad all these people sayin what a bad person he is..the only thing he did wrong is gettin with someone under 18..thats it!!her parents knew about it and let it happen...I dont think that he should get in trouble...this whole thing is STUPID!!!
Posted by: mm on May 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
to go dragons .the same thing is happening in rock hill and happend in fairland with a coach many years ago.stop showing your ignorance please it happens everywhere
Posted by: Common Sense on May 19, 2008 at 10:44 AM
CHS STUDENT ONCE AGAIN: I do NOT know if there was an inappropriate relationship between Mr. Clark & a student. I DO know that regardless of ANY relationship between a teacher & a student, that the TEACHER IS ultimately the ONLY one RESPONSIBLE! Reason being, the teacher is an ADULT who is entrusted with the safety and well being of our children when they are in their care! If the teacher doesn't have more self-control and will power to refrain from student advances, then they have no business being in a school environment. As I've already stated, I do not know if these allegations are true or not. I'm waiting for the jury to determine guilt or innocence. It just gauls me to have someone suggest that the student(s) are equally culpable. No matter how you try to spin it, it is the TEACHER's RESPONSIBILITY to refrain from inappropriate conduct. PEOPLE LIE, not just students. TY, this isn't 1920. The world has evolved. Family dynamics have changed, but morals shouldn't have.
Posted by: CHS STUDENT on May 19, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Only as a ship can follow the course set by its captin any mistakes are his resposibility so the student should also be held accountable for her mistakes. (the ship has wreacked)
Posted by: Sophomore at CHS on May 19, 2008 at 10:15 AM