Bobo returns to class as homebound teacher

Thursday, August 28, 2008
By Sadie Fowler

Former Liberty School teacher Dawn Bobo has returned to work in the Bedford County school system after being suspended last year for carrying a firearm to school.

The veteran teacher was placed on pre-trial diversion in February and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days of probation, had to forfeit the weapon, and pay fines and court costs. If all terms of the pre-trial diversion are met, the Class "A" misdemeanor charge will be expunged from her record.

Bobo is now teaching homebound students full-time.

"I'm glad she has gone into that program," said Ed Gray, schools superintendent, who suspended Bobo from teaching duties last December.

While Bobo would not comment on whether she had a choice in being transferred to homebound status, she did say she discussed homebound teaching with Gray and, "it sounded like a great opportunity."

"I have been doing it for about two weeks and I am thoroughly enjoying it," she told the Times-Gazette Tuesday.

There are two homebound teachers in Bedford County. They work with students who are unable to attend class for medical reasons.

"Pregnant students and students who are too ill to go to school are referred to this program by a medical doctor," Gray said.

Typically, students are allowed to stay on homebound status for up to six weeks, according to Gray, who said at times it can be longer than six weeks, as long as updates on the student are provided to the school by the recommending doctor.

Bobo was charged with a Class "A" misdemeanor, rather than a Class "E" felony, indicating the incident was an accident. She qualified for a pre-trial diversion because she had no criminal convictions in her past.

Bobo allegedly carried a .22 Ruger target pistol to Liberty School last December. She said she had the firearm in her possession for protection against coyotes while checking her rural mailbox.

According to police reports, Bobo informed school officials upon realizing that the firearm was in her purse.

"When she realized what she had done, she made the appropriate contact to the SRO (school resource officer), told him what she had done, was subsequently placed under arrest and taken into custody," said Assistant District Attorney William Bottoms, in a February interview with the Times-Gazette.

Comments

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Well, whomever came up with this idea, I have to commend an "out of the box" solution. She isn't in school, and she isn't in the classroom setting; But she is still able to teach and she is in a safe supervised environment. I am actually impressed with this decision.

-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 10:51 AM

It is sad that things like this happen . . . I really wish this woman the best.

-- Posted by jaxspike on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 1:03 PM

Should have just kept her mouth shut, said she was sick and left school and taken the gun home. What was to gain by being Ms. Goody Two Shoes and "confessing" to an accident?

-- Posted by tatersue on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 3:05 PM

Not knowing the actual consequence that would take place once she told. I believe it to be a big mistake, and hope things work out for her as well. I heard she is a very nice person. My prayers are with you Mrs. Bobo. Mishaps and troubles may endure for a day, but joy shall come in the morning. Keep on doing what you do best, this incident will come to past.

-- Posted by Momof3&3step&1gran on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 10:16 PM

I am a big believer that,when one door closes another one opens.

Ms.Bobo is an excellent teacher.And its a loss to Liberty School.But the good Lord up above had better things for her to do.

These homebound students now has one of his best,giving them chance of an education they might not of gotten without her.

She now has been judged by the law of man. But she is in a much better job now. And she will be rewarded on the real Judgement day.

Keep your chin up Ms.Bobo,you have and always give your best.

Don't let them get you down,,,,,

-- Posted by Wheelbillie on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 11:22 PM

I am glad that she didn't lose her job but yet was pulled from the classroom. Its a win-win for everyone I guess.

I agree with tatersue though, what's up with the confession, just go home.

All's well that end's well.

-- Posted by ontheoutside on Fri, Aug 29, 2008, at 1:51 PM

ya think just any of us could get cought with a gun there and claim it was an accident and get off so easy?

I THINK NOT!!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by mr_right_not_wrong on Tue, Sep 2, 2008, at 5:43 PM

accidents happen, is it ok for a teacher to "lie" and leave work, no it isnt. was it an overkill by the shcool system, yes it was. worse case senario she should have been sent home for the day to return the gun and be back the next am. hope the home school program works for her.

-- Posted by ericgreen29 on Sat, Sep 6, 2008, at 4:41 PM