The Harrison Bay Future Ready teacher arrested last week on a charge of assaulting a student has been suspended without pay by Hamilton County Schools, a review of his personnel file by Local 3 News shows.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 58-year-old William Fryar on Thursday, after the incident in question happened on August 20.
He was first suspended on August 21, which initiated an investigation by law enforcement and the Department of Children's Services (DCS).
Harrison Bay Future Ready Teacher arrested after assaulting student, HCSO says
School admin made the teacher leave campus the day of the incident back in August.
Fryar is accused of pushing a male student toward a wall with the backpack, as the student tried to go to the restroom.
According to a letter sent to Fryar by Superintendent Justin Robertson on October 2 detailing a subsequent investigation by the Hamilton County Department of Education, the incident happened during a fire drill.
In a human resources interview, Fryar said he asked students to stop running down the hallway and yelled for them to stop.
Fryar claimed the student involved in the incident was yelling, and Fryar asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Then, Fryar said he attempted to move himself and the student to stop them from being pushed or stepped on.
However, the student stated that Fryar yelled, "Who's the big man? I'm the big man!"
The student said Fryar then shoved him into the wall and said, "Get into this f--- bathroom with me now."
A colleague who was interviewed for the investigation said she did not recall Fryar making those comments or using an expletive.
In his letter, Roberston said he "cannot confirm you [Fryar] made the statements," but determined his actions were "unbecoming".
Robertson decided on a one-day suspension (already observed August 21) and offered Fryar backpay.
However, his arrest led to another suspension, pending the outcome of the criminal matter and any subsequent investigation.
Fryar started teaching full time at Harrison Bay in the 2024-2025 school year.
He is out on bond and due in court on November 5.
Close Hamilton County Schools personnel file for William Fryar