HUNTERSVILLE — School officials alerted parents and students Tuesday after learning that a man who coached girls basketball last season at Christ the King High School had been arrested following child sexual abuse allegations in Ohio.
Jason Paul Dawson, 35, was arrested March 25 and charged with two felony counts of sexual battery involving a minor and one felony count of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, according to Franklin County, Ohio, Municipal Court records.
The allegations stem from his time working as a teacher and coach of the girls basketball team at Worthington Christian School in Columbus, Ohio. According to Ohio police and municipal court records, two female student-athletes allege that Dawson engaged in sexual activity with one of them from 2019 to 2023, and the other from 2020 to 2023. The records say police confiscated cell phone videos and text messages from both victims.
As of March 27, Dawson was being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail, awaiting extradition to Ohio.
After several successful seasons, Dawson left as coach at Worthington Christian School in April 2022 and moved to North Carolina. In a statement, Worthington Christian School said he resigned following “two incidents of employment discipline on matters not related to allegations of criminal activity but clear violations of our policies.”
Dawson worked as a temporary contract coach for the girls basketball team at Christ the King High School for the 2023-24 season. He passed a background check in June 2023 and worked as a coach until March 1, 2024.
Dawson also conducted basketball clinics at St. Mark School in Huntersville for two weeks in late July and early August 2023, school leaders said. St. Mark School alerted parents whose children attended and noted that other adults were present for the two-hour clinics, including personnel from The Carolina Factory (an athlete training facility), varsity athletes from Christ the King, as well as St. Mark parents and volunteers. Dawson worked at The Carolina Factory, which terminated him on Wednesday.
Leaders from both Christ the King and St. Mark schools said they are investigating but are unaware of any issues that occurred during Dawson’s time coaching there.
Christ the King and St. Mark school leaders learned of the arrest on March 26 and notified students and parents that day, as well as met with Christ the King basketball team members to answer questions and offer support.
“Of course we are dismayed to hear this news, but we are committed to supporting our players and keeping the Christ the King community informed,” School President Carl Semmler said Wednesday. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our students, and we will assist in this matter in any way we can.”
— Catholic News Herald
WillisKERNERSVILLE — After several months’ search, Bishop McGuinness High School has named Claire Willis as its new principal beginning June 2024.
Willis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Catholic education, having served as an educator and administrator for nearly two decades. She currently serves as the assistant superintendent for Catholic schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge and has previously served as a high school principal, elementary assistant principal, and middle and high school English teacher in various Catholic schools.
“The warm welcome of the school community, the tradition of excellence, and the evident culture of faith and family convinced me that I had found my new home,” Willis said.
Head of School Dr. Jared M. Rashford shared his confidence in Willis.
“Mrs. Willis’s passion for education and her proven track record make her the ideal leader for our school. I am confident that her vision and commitment will further enhance the Bishop McGuinness experience for our students,” Rashford said.
With the recent hire, Rashford will shift roles to become president of Bishop McGuinness. As president, Rashford will focus on the school’s long-range planning, community relationships, financial management and fundraising. The new position will fund itself from the resulting increase in donations and community partnerships.
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, also noted his excitement in Willis’s selection.
“Mrs. Willis’s appointment as principal is a key step forward for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School,” Monroe said. “Her leadership and commitment to Catholic education are ideal for enhancing our school’s legacy and continuing to build a strong Catholic culture that is focused on excellence. Working with our great faculty, we are excited to see the academic, extracurricular, and Catholic environment she will foster.”
Willis and her husband Chandler have five children. Their oldest will attend Louisiana State University in the fall, and the younger children are excited to explore their new home and become part of the community, she said.
— Catholic News Herald