FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & f TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 0 « £ Af ‘Map 2, 8 fad ry oy, Mle Ao Y, ‘Sip, . "$9 Tom Gallagher els Tp OF Commissioner ; “AR RAT Mere ey “ O!- |1$600 December 22, 1999 Mr. John Pedonti, Jr. 2117 East Bird Street Tampa, Florida 33604 CERTIFIED MAIL RE: Finding of Probable Cause Dear Mr. Pedonti: Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 231.262 and 231.28, Florida Statutes, and Rule 6A-4.037, Florida Administrative Code (Rules of the State Board of Education), I find that | probable cause exists to justify sanctions against your certificate as provided in Sections 231.262(6) and 231.28(1), Florida Statutes, which penalties may include reprimand, i probation, restriction of the scope of practice, suspension not to exceed three years, i * revocation not to exceed ten years or the permanent revocation of your teaching certificate. if An Administrative Complaint, Explanation and Election of Rights forms have been enclosed. | Should; you have any questions regarding this matter, contact the Office of Professional | Practices Services, Florida Education Center, Suite 224-E, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850) 488-2481. Sincerely, =_——_ {on Tom Gal TGijh ENCLOSURES Plaza.Level, The Capitol « Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 (850) 487-1785 ¢ Fax (850) 413-0378 http:/ /www.fim.edu/doe/doehome.htm An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer STATE OF FLORIDA 28 EDUCATION PRACTICES COMMISSION Oy Adj Sion Nee sT Rag TOM GALLAGHER, as RNa VE Commissioner of Education, Petitioner, vs. ‘CASE NO. 990-0017-C JOBN H. PEDONTI, JR., Respondent. / ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT Petitioner, TOM GALLAGHER, as Commissioner of Education, files this Administrative Complaint against John H. Pedonti, Jr. The Petitioner seeks the appropriate disciplinary sanction of the Respondent’s educator’s certificate pursuant to Sections 231.262 and 231.28, Florida Statutes, and pursuant to Rule 6B-1.006, Florida Administrative Code, Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, said sanctions specifically set forth in Sections 231. 262(6) and 231.28(1), Florida Statutes. The Petitioner alleges: - . JURISDICTION ar) 1. The Respondent holds Florida Educator’s Certificate 384296, covering the areas of Technical Art, which is valid through June 30, 2004. 2. At all times pertinent hereto, the Respondent was employed as a Technology teacher, in the Hillsborough County School District. MATERIAL ALLEGATIONS 3. On or about November 26, 1997, Respondent battered his wife when he grabbed her by the head, held her in a head lock and struck her in the face with his fist causing a black and blue bruise around her eye. Respondent was arrested and charged with Battery (Domestic Violence). On or about February 4, 1999, Respondent pled Not Guilty and the court withheld adjudication. Respondent was sentenced to twelve months probation, court costs and fines, no contact with the victim except in Divorce Court and 3" party with the child and counseling. : | | 5 te / biti saab di Ir, Administr ivefen laint Adin f So 4) pase Bf 2 . AY STATUTORY VIOLATIONS ME, ARIAT Ye COUNT 1: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Section 231.28(1)(c), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent has been guilty of gross immorality or an act involving moral turpitude. . COUNT 2: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Section 231.28(1)(f), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent, upon investigation, has been found guilty of personal conduct which seriously reduces his effectiveness as an employee of the school board. COUNT 3: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Section 231.28(1)(), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent has otherwise violated the provisions of law, the penalty for which is the revocation of the teaching certificate. WHEREFORE, the Petitioner recommends that the Education Practices Commission impose an appropriate penalty pursuant to the authority provided in Sections 231.262(6) and 231.28(1), Florida Statutes, which penalty may include a reprimand, probation, restriction of the authorized scope of practice, administrative fine, suspension of the teaching certificate not to exceed three years, permanent revocation of the teaching certificate, or combination thereof, for the reasons set forth herein, and in accordance with the Explanation and Election of Rights forms which are attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. EXECUTED on this 222 day of ow L-_ —_, 1999. « } { TOM GALLA' R, as Commissioner of Education, State of Florida

Docket for Case No: 01-001186PL

Orders for Case No: 01-001186PL