Southwestern Ontario teacher charged with harassing co-worker: Sources
Teacher charged with harassing colleague at elementary school where they both worked, sources say
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A teacher is charged with harassing a colleague at a Southwestern Ontario elementary school where they both worked, sources tell The Free Press.
According to court documents, Devon Boyd, 40, was arrested by London police Feb. 23 and is alleged to have engaged “in repeatedly communicating with (a person), either directly or indirectly” and causing them to “fear for personal safety.”
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The complainant was a teacher at Oliver Stephens elementary school in Woodstock, according to the school’s website. Boyd also taught here, sources say.
Boyd did not return Free Press calls seeking comment.
Thames Valley District school board officials say they won’t comment on the status of employees, but multiple sources say Boyd no longer works for the board.
Boyd is no longer a member of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, said Craig Smith, president of the union’s Thames Valley district.
In May 2023, Boyd was teaching Grade 5 at Sir Isaac Brock elementary school in southwest London when he was put on leave amid what sources said were allegations of offensive in-class remarks to pupils, including encouraging a Muslim child to eat candy during a religious fast.
One year later, his transfer to Centennial Central elementary school on Medway Road in Arva was thwarted when parents pushed back, accusing the school board of “failing your responsibilities under (its) equity and inclusive education policy.”
At the time, several parents reached out to The Free Press to share concerns over Boyd’s posting to the Arva school.
According to the Ontario College of Teachers, the province’s teaching regulator, Boyd has been a certified teacher in Ontario since 2011. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph, and a master’s and teaching degree from Western University.
He is listed as in “good standing” on the college’s website.
He last appeared in court April 28.
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