Suspended Moses Lake teacher scheduled for court

Lyman continues his education

MOSES LAKE — Suspended Moses Lake High School science teacher Sam Lyman is scheduled to appear in Grant County District Court July 23.

He is expected to face charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct stemming from his entry of Moses Lake High School. Lyman is accused of entering the school March 21 and causing a disturbance amongst students in the cafeteria, despite being told by school officials to remain off of school grounds.

For at least one day prior to entering the school, Lyman was protesting the school's decision to suspend him after student allegations of inappropriate conduct. He carried a sign outside of high school property requesting people talk to him about the incident.

In addition to facing possible criminal penalties, Lyman faces losing his state teaching license. Moses Lake School District Superintendent Steve Chestnut said he forwarded reports concerning Lyman to the state.

Charles Schreck, director of the Office of Professional Practices within the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, said there is a case open against Lyman but it is not being actively pursued because cases are reviewed in the order they are received.

The criminal charges are taken into consideration as part of the investigation, he said.

Schreck said Lyman's case could be dismissed, or Lyman could be reprimanded and retain his license, or Lyman's license could be suspended or revoked. He added the chances of a permanent revocation would be rare.

While waiting for court and the state, Lyman continues to study at Washington State University to achieve a doctorate in educational philosophy. He has two and a half years before completing the degree.

"Everything is up in the air," Lyman said. "I'm guilty until proven innocent."

If Lyman is barred from teaching, his doctorate efforts are useless, he said.

"I still would like to teach. I feel like that's a calling for me," he said. "I'm being prevented from doing that because of this non-moving bureaucratic process."

He says he feels like his life hangs in the balance.

"I still fully believe I did not do anything that would warrant the loss of my teaching license," he said.

Lyman said he plans to file a misconduct complaint against Moses Lake High School Principal Dave Balcom and Chestnut with the Superintendent of Educational Service in Wenatchee regarding how his suspension was handled, in particular the lack of paperwork provided to him by district staff at the outset.

Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti said Lyman was notified promptly of his suspension during investigative interviews with him and the students making the allegations. He wasn't provided paperwork at first, but district policy reportedly does not stipulate a deadline in providing a written notice of suspension.

Lyman was placed on paid administrative leave for the remainder of the school year while an extensive investigation is conducted.