Chester Co. Teacher To Be Fired For Short-Term Santa Claus Job
RICHBURG, SC — Santa may be losing his job. A teacher in Chester County is in jeopardy of being fired for taking a short-term gig as Santa Claus this holiday season.
Tim Davis looks like Santa Claus. Don’t be fooled, Davis’ job doesn’t involve climbing down a chimney and putting presents under the tree. He’s actually a science teacher at Lewisville Middle School in Richburg.
“Mr. Davis is probably one of the most inspiring teachers in eighth grade,” said former student, Dominic Garcia
He’s left a mark on many in the community. That’s why Garcia and thousands more were upset to find out Davis would be fired for taking a short-term job as a Santa look-alike.
“I was devastated. He was like the best teacher I had last year he’s probably one of the reasons I passed,” said Garcia.
Davis sent a letter to parents of his students telling them he would be terminated at the end of November. Explaining that he told the school in July of his plans to miss 17 days to take this second job and that the money earned would pay for shoulder surgery.
“We understand policy but when you have a good teacher and you want to get rid of him because of a policy issue, it doesn’t really help the children,” said Barbara Westbrook.
Westbrook, along with her daughter, Emily Garcia created a change.org petition for Davis to keep his job.
The petition has more than 3,000 signatures in just a couple of days. Some leaving comments with kind words like “he did not just teach us, he loves all of us” and “he was the best teacher I’ve ever had”
“We want Mr. Davis to stay,” continues Emily Garcia, “he is making a difference.”
WCCB made several attempts to speak to Davis. Emily Garcia tells us he will not speak to the media while he is still employed with the district.
A spokesperson for Chester County Schools had this statement:
