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ERIC J. SMITH, AS COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION vs DAVID VOLPE, 09-003511PL (2009)

Court: Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 09-003511PL Visitors: 8
Petitioner: ERIC J. SMITH, AS COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
Respondent: DAVID VOLPE
Judges: SUSAN BELYEU KIRKLAND
Agency: Department of Education
Locations: Lakeland, Florida
Filed: Jun. 29, 2009
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Latest Update: Jul. 04, 2024
ad @ 67.351) pe STATE OF FLORIDA EDUCATION PRACTICES COMMISSION DR. ERIC J. SMITH, as Commissioner of Education, Petitioner, vs. CASE NO. 078-2497 DAVID ALAN VOLPE, Respondent. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT Petitioner, Dr. Eric J. Smith, as Commissioner of Education, files this Administrative Complaint against DAVID ALAN VOLPE. The Petitioner seeks the appropriate disciplinary sanction of the Respondent’s educator’s certificate pursuant to Sections 1012.315, 1012.795, and 1012.796, Florida Statutes, and pursuant to Rule 6B-1.006, Florida Administrative Code, Principles of Professional Conduvt for the Education Profession in Florida, said sanctions specifically set forth in Sections 1012.795(1) and 1012.796(7), Florida Statutes. The Petitioner aileges: JURISDICTION 1. The Respondent holds Florida Educator’s Certificate 782303, covering the areas of Athletic Coaching, Educational Leadership, Physical Education, and Social Science, which is valid through June 30, 2009. 2. At all times pertiaent hereto, the Respondent was employed as a Social Studies Teacher at Lake Gibson Senior High School in the Polk County School District. MATERIAL ALLEGATION: 3. During the 2007/2008 school year, the Respondent used his school issued computer repeatedly to access pornography. The Respondent viewed inappropriate images, including nudity and pornography, during work hours and during class when students were present. Students were exposed to inappropriate images, and reported seeing inappropriate images. DAVID ALAN VOLPE Administrative Complaint Page 2 of 3 The Petitioner charges: STATUTE VIOLATIONS COUNT 1: The Respondent is in violation of Section 1012.795(1)(d), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent has been guilty of gross immorality or an act involving moral turpitude as defined by rule of the State Board of Education.. COUNT 2: The Respondent is in violation of Section 1012.795(1)(g), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent has been found guilty of personal conduct which seriously reduces his effectiveness as an employee of the school board. COUNT3: The Respondentis in violation of Section 1012.795(1)(), Florida Statutes, in that Respondent has violated the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession prescribed by State Board of Education rules. RULE VIOLATIONS COUNT 4: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Rule 6B- 1,006(3)(a), Florida Administrative Code, in that Respondent has failed to make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental health and/or physical health and/or safety. COUNT 5: The allegations of misconduct sét forth herein are in violation of Rule 6B- 1,006(3)(e), Florida Administrative Code, in that Respondent has intentionally exposed a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement. COUNT 6: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Rule 6B- 1.006(4)(c), Florida Administrative Code, in that Respondent has used institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage. (SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWING PAGE) DAVID ALAN VOLPE Administrative Complaint Page 3 of 3 WHEREFORE, based on the reasons set forth herein and in accordance with the Explanation of Rights and Elestion of Rights forms attached to and made a part of this Administrative Complaint, Petitioner respectfully recommends that the Education Practices Commission impose an appropriate sanction against the Respondent's educator’s certificate pursuant to the authority provided in Sections 1012.795(1) and 1012.796(7), Florida Statutes. The sanctions imposed by the Education Practices Commission may include, but are not limited to, any one or a combination of the following: issuing the Respondent a written reprimand; placing the Respondent on probation for any period of time; restricting the Respondent’s authorized scope of practice; assessing the Respondent an administrative fine; directing the Respondent to enroll in the Recovery Network Program; suspending the Respondent’s educator’s certificate for a period of time not to exceed five years; revoking the Respondent’s educator’s certificate for a period of time up to 10 years or permanently; determining the Respondent to be ineligible for certification; or barring the Respondent from reapplying for an educator’s certificate for a period of time up to 10 years or permanently. EXECUTED on this Wace day of Faerun 2009. Commissioner of Education State of Florida

Docket for Case No: 09-003511PL
Source:  Florida - Division of Administrative Hearings

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