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Morinville teacher cleared to return to the classroom

A teacher from Georges H. Primeau School in Morinville who was found not guilty of sexual assault last month has now been cleared to return to the classroom. Greater St.

A teacher from Georges H. Primeau School in Morinville who was found not guilty of sexual assault last month has now been cleared to return to the classroom.

Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board superintendent David Keohane decided last week to reinstate Michael Dubas as a teacher.

Dubas has not decided whether he will return to the classroom and is currently on medical leave.

Dubas was immediately placed on suspension on Oct. 2008, after allegations from two female students came forward suggesting he had touched them inappropriately.

In September, after a week-long trial, Judge Brian Frasier found Dubas not guilty, saying he had serous doubts about the credibility of the two girls making the allegations.

Frasier said he believed Dubas, who said he had never touched either girl, has been the victim of a "tremendous injustice."

At the time Frasier said he hoped Dubas would be allowed back into the classroom.

"One hopes that this decision will result in the resumption of a successful teaching career," said the judge

Keohane said that while the court proceedings were informative, he did his own investigation and considered all the evidence before moving to reinstate Dubas.

"I just came to the conclusion and it is a definitive one at that, that any allegations regarding Michael Dubas relating to professional misconduct are unfounded."

Keohane said he understands this is a difficult decision for Dubas, but if he wants to return to Primeau, where he taught for almost three decades, he could.

"If he chooses to return to work at Primeau where he was working we will certainly create the pathway where that can happen."

Keohane said there is no reason for any lingering concerns among parents. The school board looked at everything including evidence the court would not examine for legal reasons, he added.

Keohane also pointed out the decision is based on a balance of probabilities, not the beyond a reasonable doubt standard that the courts use.

"I would want the parents to know that absolute due diligence has been exercised with regards to this matter."

No disciplinary action

Keohane also said there won't be any disciplinary measure taken against the two girls who initially reported the allegations.

The School Act, which governs expulsions and suspensions, as well as some specifics of this case, lead him to the decision, he said.

"When the restrictions of the act are considered and this case is looked at in its entirety it would not be appropriate to be trying to apply disciplinary interventions."

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