Petitioner: ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Respondent: KAREN HAMILTON
Judges: WILLIAM F. QUATTLEBAUM
Agency: County School Boards
Locations: Orlando, Florida
Filed: Jun. 26, 2006
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, September 15, 2006.
Latest Update: Dec. 24, 2024
SCHOOL BOARD OF ORANGE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, BY AND THROUGH ITS
SUPERINTENDENT, RONALD BLOCKER,
Petitioner
nespondent Dl “ ) 974
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
Vs. Karen Hamilton
RONALD BLOCKER, as Superintendent of Schools, for and on behalf of the
Schoo! Board of Orange County, Florida, (hereinafter referred to as “Petitioner’), files
this Administrative Complaint against Karen Hamilton (hereinafter referred to as
“Respondent”).
Petitioner seeks the severance of Respondent's continuing contract with |
Petitioner pursuant to Section 1012.33, Florida Statutes.
The Petitioner alleges:
1. The Respondent, at all times maierial to this Complaint, was employed as
a classroom teacher by the Petitioner, the Schoo! Board of Orange
County, Florida. The Respondent was hired on March 15, 1971, and is
currently a resource teacher at Lakeville Elementary School.
2. The Respondent holds a continuing contract of employment with the
School Board of Orange County, Florida.
3. That on or about February 5, 1999, the Respondent was issued written
directives regarding the appropriate way to discipline students. Attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment A is a copy of the
directives.
4. That on or about August 31, 1999, the Respondent received verbal
counseling from the Principal regarding the perception by students who
witnessed her administering discipline.
10.
11.
12.
13.
That on or about January 7, 2000, the Respondent received written
directives regarding her interaction with students and to avoid any type of
verbal intimidation. Attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Attachment B is a copy of the directives.
That on or about December 1, 2000, the Respondent received written
directives for name calling, grabbing a student, and placing students
outside the classroom unsupervised as a form of discipline. Attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment C is a copy of the
directives.
That on or about January 2, 2002, the Respondent was issued a letter
summarizing the recent meeting she had with her principal regarding her
conduct towards colleagues. The fetter included recommendations for
trainings and resources that could be of assistance. Attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment D is a copy of the letter.
That on or about September 26, 2003, the Respondent was issued a
letter of reprimand for speaking rudely to a student and violating the
previously issued directives. .
That on or about December 4, 2003, the Respondent was issued a letter
of reprimand for hitting two students with a book.
That on or about December 14, 2004, the Respondent received verbal
counseling from the Principal for bringing toy guns to school.
That on or about February 10, 2005, the Respondent was issued
directives for locking students out of the class, throwing away their class
work, and threatening to give them an “E” Attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Attachment E is a copy of the directives.
That on or about September 20, 2005, the Respondent was issued a
letter of reprimand for grabbing a student by the arm. Attached hereto
and incorporated herein as Attachment F is a copy of the reprimand.
That on or about April 3, 2006, the Respondent hit a child with a plastic
bowl because she was mad that she tripped over the student's chair.
14, That on or about April 13, 2006, the Respondent and her Representative
attended a predetermination meeting. The Respondent did not recall the
incident at first then she stated that it was accidental.
15. That on or about April 13, 2006, the Respondent was placed on Relief of
Duty. While the Respondent has been on relief of duty her students have
requested not to be returned to her classroom because they are afraid of
her. Attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment G is a copy
of the summary from students.
16. Such actions, individually and collectively, by the Respondent are in
violation of School Board Policies, gross insubordination, misconduct in
office, willful neglect of duty, and a violation of the Code of Ethics and the
Principals of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida.
47. Said violations, individually and collectively, are sufficient grounds to
sever the continuing contract status of Respondent, Karen Hamilton, and
to terminate her employment-with the School Board of Orange County,
Florida.
THEREFORE, the Superintendent of Schools for the School Board of Orange
County, Florida, recommends that the Board sever its continuing contract relationship
with the Respondent and terminate immediately the employment of Respondent, Karen
Hamilton.
Dated this 24th day of May 2006.
Frank Kruppenbacher, Esq.
Florida Bar No. 238597
Attorney for Ronald Blocker,
Superintendent, the School Board
of Orange County, Florida
445 W. Amelia Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
(407)317-3411
ATTACHMENT
A
qf ey. Margaret G. Osteen, Ed.D., Principal
“311 West Princeton Street » Orlando, Florida * 32804 » 407/245-1840
ears
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 4, 1999
TO: Karen Hamilton
FROM: Margaret Osteen0
SUBJECT: Conference February 2, 1999
This memorandum shall serve as a summary of our meeting on February 2, 1999. On
that date we met in my office to discuss concerns pertaining to an incident on the St.
Augustine trip January 28, 1999. You will recall that | asked: you to do-the following in
the future when disciplining students
1. You are to correct or redirect students in a way that does not direct attention to
the student or to yourself.
2. You are to avoid even the appearance of verbal intimidation while dealing with
' students. This includes any actions which subject students to embarrassment.
Should you need clarification of my expectations, you are to see me for further
direction.
signature indicates only that |
received a copy of this directive.
c: Employee Relations
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
Orange County Public Schools « "An Equal Opportunity agency”
ATTACHMENT
B
a2
SE ee eee
DATE: January 7, 2000
TO: Karen Hamilton
FROM: Margaret Osteen’ Bd.D.
Principal
SUBJECT: Summary of Meeting/Directives
As a follow-up to our meeting today, you are directed to do the following:
You are to limit your discussions with students to professional matters, This
includes, but is not limited to, comments which pive the appearance of
intimidation or harassment.
Limit comments to students to matters directly related to academic endeavors, not
to students’ personalities,
You are to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times while interacting '
with students, staff, and community. i
Should you have any questions about my expectations, you are to come to me for further
direction,
Cc: Employee Relations
My dignature indichtes that f Teceived a copy
thi: di Teh AD [i ;
S$ memorandum PEG is We |
JAN 7 1 2000
| |
| ORANGE COUNTY PLIEt ~OOLs
EMPLOVEE Rf’ 3
|
|
- |
|
ATTACHMENT
C
Wris2 DCPS 3% OCPS EMPLOYEE RE NOQ. 063
Ete
, ee,
“o
“i
we
AA ATE
years November 29, 2000
Ms. Karen Hamilton
? BCEIY Ee
Princeton Elementary Schoo! DEC 0 4 2000
ORANGE coun
TY Pup
Dear Ms. Hamilton: EMPLOYEE ReLamon Os
This letter shall serve as 3 summary of our meeting on November 15, 2000 at the
Educational Leadership Center. At that meeting we discussed your interactions with students
and parents.
Based on student statements, parent's letters and your response, | have decided to issue
the following directives:
You are to limit your discussion with students to professional matters. You are
particularly directed to avold conversations of a personal nature.
2. You are to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times while interacting
with students, staff and the community.
3. Students are to be under your immediate supervision at all timas. This includes
but is not limited to placing students outside the classroom for disciplinary
reasons. You are to follow the guidelines for student discipline in the school
handbook,
4. \f you should have any questions regarding my expectations, you are to come to
me for further clarification.
As we discussed, you must be aware of how your comments and discussions are being
perceived by students and parents. | am concerned with the repetitive nature of students’
and parents’ complaints but appreciate your willingness to work on a solution. | am
expecting immediate improvement in your performance. Any additional violations of this
nature could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Sincerely,
Margaret Osteen, Ed.D.
Principal
a Copy of this letter.
Orange County Public Schools * "An Equal Opportunity agency"
f .. Margaret G, Osteen, Ed.D., Principal
311 West Princeton Street « Orlando, Florida © 32804 « 407/245-1840
bee
ATTACHMENT
D
eee ae et DP Ov ho NO. @@1
ELEMENTARY D BOELY E))
December 21,-2001 JAN Of pene
te eatiE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
hrs. Karen Hamitton EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
Princeton Elementary School
Dear Mrs. Harnilton:
This letter shall serve as a follow-up to our meeting on November 28, 2001, At that meeting we
discussed recent interactions between you and staff and previously issued directives regarding your
conduct.
. As a result of that meeting, we agreed that additional assistance should be provided to ensure
your success. | am recommending the follawing training classes:
January 10, 2002 — Core Values and Their Place in Education
January 31, 2002 ~ Defusing Angry Parents
February 22, March 1, and March 8, 2002 — Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
April 6, 2002 — Dealing with Stress and Hostile People hl»
In addition, to the resources we discussed at our meeting, | also recommend that you contact
Cindy Frongello at 407-245-1780, Ext. 246, Ms. Frongello is a prevention specialist with the school district
who has agreed to provide additional guidance. If you become aware of additional training that would
assist you, please contact me immediately.
REN >
| expect all staff members to conduct themselves in a professional manner while interacting with
students, staff and the community, and you are reminded that previously issued directives remain in effect.
Mars OL
Margaret Osteen
' Principal .
. ,
er indicates only that | have received a copy ne
of this letter.
A SCIENCE MAGNEY SCHOOL e MARGARET G. OSTEEN, ED.O., PRINCIPAL
atl WEST PRINCETON SYREET « ORLANDO, FLORIDA 326904 « 407.245.1840
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS + AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY
Pa2
ATTACHMENT
on OER OS Bee St - iPooe
4, + . oe .
; , Kim Stutsman. Principal .
hevitle ; \ ‘ . iinice Quint, Asst, Fiincipal
| Q eal \ Johnelle Pauley. Secretary
poy ,
EH
=%
On Tack For E. xcellence
SERIE DIETS OCG SW SON PETIT TE a
FG EEDA a IER OTERO FSEIE
s papka, Flaridss 32703 (307) 834- 6110 Fe.X (407) B14: 6120
Poly ours 19, QV
Ms, Kare Hanuliin
Lakeville Elementary ‘
Dear Ms, Hamilton.
Under certa
Tegarding the expectat
in nature.
ances TH bev
ve disticy, Suc
ae istcrrad 10 ag directives, at: are not diseiplinan
, punary
Tt is important to understand, however; that all enypayees are recuired to ‘al. sw the muies,
pravedpres, policics amd direcnon of management cruel sil to corapl with the divecnon oy
Management, il is possitrle (hat disciplinary activa may re: . , ‘
. Since directives are clarifications af ey fectations rayarding falure conduc: v1 performance, they
remain in force indefinitely. Consequently, you may anach o statement clarifying wy concems you want |
to be made a part of the record.
® You are jot J
permissi adauinistrata
© Texpect aiiatati to meet the e@
staff und she commiumity,
wy ciil rehitt ps outlined inthe dati
wovthit, poli- ae
that it will moi be! necessa:y (0 adelregs
Spectation se questions regardiny
Trust that you uzlergrand the ssf this unter and
such concerns in the fi Should you have any quesner:
these directives, you sie te commet me for clarification
LHITe,
2 fos io
Kirn | Stutsman, EAS.
>
ature Indicdres only that ! have tec
Employee Relation
ATTACHMENT
F
ae = Augo
i a SL ie Oe ee LAKEVILLE ELEN huge
Kim Stutsman, Principat
Lakeville Eloy as Qs ton Pee
2015 Lakeville Road, Apopka, Flovida 39703 (407) 814-6110 EX (407) 814-6120
September 20, 2005
HAND DELIVERED
Ms, Keren Hamilton
Lakeville Elememary School
Dear Ms. Hamilton:
This letter shal! Be as a summary of our meeting at the Educationa: Leadership Center on
Sepember 13, 2605, and’4g a‘letter of reprima that datc we met to discuss an allegation of
udent.
misconduct on your part. Specifically, that you erabbe
Following investigation of the meident and considering all informaticn resented, it is my
conclusion that your conduct was inappropriate, Such conduct cannot and will not be condoned, Lam now
advising you that the Principles of Profassional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, section
G13-1.006, requires that the educator:
(3) (a) Make reascnable cffert to protect the student from conditions har nful to learning and/or
to the student's mental/or physical health or safety.
4A duective vill he issued to you im a separate correspondence that ou.:lines the district's
tions regarding your conduc? wi the future. | am advising you that should there be another incident
of a similar nature discipline, up to and including dismissal may be recommended, Provided there are no
snmilar incidents for a period of five (5) years, this lever of Teprimand nay be apprnicid with a statement
that it is no longer valid for the putyosc of discipline, Should you need clarification of the concerns
addressed herein, you are to cantact me immediately.
Sincerely,
7 Kimi. Stutsman, Ed. §,
Principal
;
VLA
ate
received a copy of this reprimand,
i PPS
Area Superintendent
Employer Relutions
File
Simmer cere orn REA TN An ner rer nt FTP yore ing PACS alana vee Ot reer ree remem ne lteter
G GE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Orange County Sehnu! Board is an equal opportunity agency
i) O03
BAROV ELE Dia Ea)
eh RR RE ND Ste NE
Kim Stutsman, Principal
Janice Quint, Asst. Principat
E g if anton’ Johnelle Pauley, Secretary
cs
5 ile Road, Apopka, Florida 3270. ) 814-6110 FAX (407) 814-6120
2015 Lakeville Road, Apopka, Florida 32703 07) Guyeu ‘AX (407)
aren Hamilton
Lakeville Ele THEM barry
Dear Ms. Hamilton:
ityy: . on
Under certain circutnstances it becomes tecesgaryito provide wrinen clarificat 9n or guidance
regarding the expeutations af the districf, Such letters are’ réferred to as directives, ard sire not disciplinary
in nanire, ' wt ry
SB ‘
Lis important to ‘undérstand, hOweyer, that all employees are required to follow the rules,
Frocedurcs, policies and direction of management! Rhould an employee fail to comp!y “ith the direction of
Management, it is possible that disciplinary action Thay'result,
Stace directives arc clarifications of expectations regarding fiture conduct 0-p:rformance, they
remain in force indefinitely, Consequently, you May attach a statement clarifying any: crncerns you want
to be made a part of the record.
At this time fam directing that:
® You are to refrain from touching students except as is absolutely necessary ic: ecfect a reasonable,
lawful and/or educational Purpose. You are responsible for protecting studer ts ‘who may be
engaged in potentially harrrefu) Activity however, you must avoid even the ap senrance of the
intppropriate use of physical intimidation,
« You ere to avoid even the appearance of verbal intimidation while dealing with students, staff or
the community. This includes, but is not limited fo, yelling, profanity, commen’; of a disparaging
nature, or actions that subject anyone to embarrassment,
% You are to avoid even the appearance of retaliation toward anyone involved 11 wis matter,
T trust Uhat you understand the seriousness of this matter and that it will not be nusessary to address
ach concerns in the future. Should you have any questions about my expectations or westions regarding
* directives, you are ty contact me for clarification,
‘Kim L Stutsman, Ed.5,
Principal
Schoo}
!
: Lon fer
; Piet ahd! -— (A
My-Signatie indicates only that 1 have reccived 4 copy ate
of this letter,
sence a6 ne peep PP Ut
Seeniaeme ecmeiacetinetemereet eee eS
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS |
Omy School Board is an cqual opportunity agency
enter rnin
The Grange
ATTACHMENT
G
I was asked by Mrs. Armel, second grade teacher, to come to her room
as some of her students had a concern. When I arrived, Mrs. Armel
explained to me that she picked her students up from specials, they had
science that day. She informed me that several of her students reported
to her that Eddie, a student in her class got hit with a plastic bowl on the
hand by Mrs. Hamilton, science teacher. I spoke to Eddie privately, and
asked him what happened. He told me he was sitting in the time out
desk and Mrs. Hamilton walked by his desk and tripped 2 times. She
asked him to push in his chair. He told me he did and pushed in as close
as he could. She tripped a third time, got mad and hit him with a plastic
bowl she was carrying in her hand. He said it hurt. I then got witness
statements from 3 students. They were scared and felt bad for Eddie.
Today, April 13” the students had science class. They asked their
teacher, Mrs. Armel if they could stay with her. She asked them why
and they said they were scared of Mrs. Hamilton. One student saw her
in the cafeteria and told his teacher he was scared of her.
Mrs. Ivy Hoyler
Assistant Principal
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Copy Distribution:
White - Principal's Supervisor {io be forwarded to
Personnel Services after review is completed)
Canary - Evaluator
Pink - Evaluatee
Karen Hamilton
Name
Lakeville Elementary.
staOlel CAREVILLE ELEM 002
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
FINAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
: 2005-2006
Social Security # School Year
Resource teacher: Science
School
Early Childhood Ed.: Elementary Ed.
Teaching Assignme it
Certification Held
cc FPMS.
AC/ICC/PSC/Othur FPMS or Alternative Form
Contract Status Observation Mode
E = Effactive
Directions:
ER = Effective with Recommendations
“_*NL= Needs Improvement
*7= Inafieciive NA=Not Applicable]
Using the rating code above, place the appropriate code in the box next to the criteron named. Definitions of rating
‘codes are printed on the reverse side of this form.
*Specific recommendations for Improvement must be included.
1, [| Classroom Management and Discipline
» Promotes selRexpression by students
and enables them to contribute
through discussion and activities
= Provides for the health and safety of
students while maintaining flexibility to
meat their needs
+ Alds students in managing time
efficiently : .
« Uses.physical facilities and equipment
to the best advantage 7
eure
Maintains instructional momentum
Begins Instruction promptly °
Handles material in an orderly manner
Promotes effective classroom
interaction, communication and mutual
respect while working independently
orin a group .
Creates an atmosphere of mutual
respect between students and teacher
Stops misconduct
Devalops high expectations for
stt deat achievement and behavior
and c.early conveys them to all
sti deits in a positive, consistent,
cam, and fair manner
Pesitrvely reinforces appropriate
stride it behavior
tl. [e| Curriculum Knowledge
¢ Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate technology (.e., ‘ « Plans for integration of curriculum as appropriate
manipulatives, hardware, software, etc.) as it relates to the + Presents concepts, princ ples, and rules effectively
curriculum « Presents evidence for va ue judgment
« Relates the curriculum to students in a meaningful manner by’
utilizing real-world applications
Comments:_Mrs. Hamilton is extremely knowledgeable abou the elementary sclence curriculum ani plans lessons to relate to the real-
world.
ih. Planning and Delivering Instruction
Facilitates classraom discussion
Uses evaluative techniques to improve teaching-leaming
experiences
» Establishes
district curriculum and mission statement
+ Defines instructional goals clearly
» Plans for individual differences by individuallzing instruction as
far as possible to the level of each student in his/her learning
style
« Plans an appropriate sequence of skills
* Collects information about each student (cumulative records,
diagnostic test scores, ¢tc.) and maintains the confidentiality .
of that information
« Expresses enthusiasm verbally, challenges students anduses +
body behavior to show interest in students
long-range and immediate objectives and .
strategies for instructional activities in accordance with the
.* Checks for student unde: stinding throughout the lesson
presentation and in all types of learning activities
» Manages time efficiently and organizes work
Uses a varioty of classro 9m activities and instructional
materlals which are challanzing to students
» Orients students to class vork/mainiains academic focus
« Conducts beginning/ending reviews and emphasizes
important points
+ Recognizés response/anipt “les/gives corract feedback
e ~=Maintains accurate student records
« Provides students with a1 opportunity for independent and
guided practice of new learning
Clarifies and, when necessary, prasents instruction in more
than one modality
Provides a revisw of closure activity in all naw learning
aclivitles
* Uses a variety of instructional materials and resources * Circulates and assisis students and dignifies all responses
2 Gives directions, assigns/checks comprehension of » Provides activities which er.courage students to think
homework/seatwork/assignments, glves feedback + . Utilizes questions to buil] academic comprehensioniiesson
* Presents an objective, purpose or anticipatory set for each
tiew lesson :
« Gives clear directions and procedures for all student
assignments and activites
. development _.
« Provides opportunities fcr ovtside participation and utilization
of community resources
+ Reviews test itams/gives reasons for answers
+ Orients students to activities at hand as frequently as
necessary to allow for maximum on-task learning
Comments:_Karen's lessons are well planned and meet the district benchmarks and Sunshine Stale Standards. it is recommended that
Karen deliver her lassons in a manner that make students want tp come to the sciance lab because thy find itinteresting and
motivational. : : _
3TD307
515706 MON £2:5% FAR 407 3146120 LAKEVILLE ELEM 003
iV. [=] Assessment of Student Performance and Professional Development Plar
+ Records student grading/progress to reflect reasonable + Uses appropriaie skills an! strategies that pramote
progress . creative/critical thinking cepabilities of students
« Shows that planning and records reflect movement on » Assesses students’ readings: at the beginning the school
continuation of skills year
» Refer students with special needs for appropriate assistance e Uses skills gained from the F ‘ofessional Development Plan
¢« Provides appropriate course modifications process to make instructional decisions
» Demonstrates sensitivity towards multi-cultural diversity + Balances formative and si mriative assessment that measure
- Responds to the individual needs, aptitudes, talents and and support student progr 2su
learning styles of students by Using a variety of assessment « Completes the Profession af evelopment Plan process
techniques » Documents student perfor na ce in a variety of appropriate
+ Reviews multiple student performance data including both ways
state and local required assessments and gives inputinto the «+ Provides data which reflect overall improvement in students’
~ Professional Development Plan process based on the date performance
Comments:_Karen has completed the IPDP process and Professiona! Growth plan.
Vv. [nt] Interpersonal! Skills
+ Consults with other teachers, team leaders, depariment « Assists students in the eviluatian of their own growth and
heads, consultants and specialists development
+ — Cooperates in planning special programs and activities during + Guides students in changing negative attitudes into positive
school hours and constructive ones
Maintains good rapport with colleagues, staff, and students
Shares ideas, materials, methods and concerns regarding
Interprets and clarifies sct oc’ policy/pragrams
‘Uses a varlety of methods te communicate with
students with professional colleagues parents/community
» Seeks innovative or best practices for the classroom . » Clearly conveys to parents their child's academic achievement
* Shows concern for students, their farnilles and personal and classroom behavior
problems « Encourages parent/communily participation in school activities
» Is consistent and fair in counseling with students, individually and conferences
and in groups + Uses a positive approach i in parent relations and rmairiaina
» Demonstrates sensitivity to multi-cultural diversity confidentiality
» Helps students ta develop positive self-concepts and student
behavior. patterns
Comménts:
An improvement plan needs to be put in place for this area, Students need to feel that faren is sensitive, thet neds and
that she” as concern for their well-being. ee
Professional Responsibilities
. Participates in the development and implementation of schoo!» Develops a personal profiiss onal development plan and
policies and procedures when given the opportunity demonstrates work toward achieving these goals
¢ Supports school and district prograrns and activities » Demonstrates an awaren 2s5 and utilization af school
* Participates in school and district committees resources
« Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the teaching « ls appropriately certificated ity instructional field(s)
profession » , Updates knowledge in fie d I:y taking additional collage
¢ Shares in the evaluation and effectiveness of the educational courses, inservice particiyatyan or engaging in other learning
program with the School Advisory Council activities
+ Abides by state statutes, district policies, and teachers’ code s Meets professional obligetions on time
af ethics » Respects the rights of otters to express divergent opinions
*
Remains controlled and effetive under pressure .
+ Operates as 6 team merrbe: as well as a leader
Comments:_ Karen needs to follow state statutes, district policies and teachers’ code of ethics. Itis i nevrative that she not touch
students. An improvement plan needs to be pul in place in this area.
Overall Assessment Rating (check one): E= Effective ’_ ER = =ffuctive with Recommendations
= Needs Improvement l= ineffentive
, __ a.
Evaluator’s Signature bs ld Lieto Date. EEE
Evaluatee's Signature. bri ftinvt of GE mit Date__
“Al indicators may not be applicable to your teaching assignment. ”
The signature of the teacher does not necessarily imply agreement with the assessment, bu! rather acknowledges that it has
been discussed with the evaluator.
3TD307
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ASSAULT/BATTERY/FIGHTING - DIRECTED AGAINST STUDENTS-NONSEXUAL _
STUDENT ALLEGED THAT TEACHER GRABHED HIM TIGHTLY ON HIS UPPER ARM
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Status
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Ea Employee Rel tions Cas
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Sapy: ‘(MARGARET OSTEEN
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‘Alleged: ° REDUCTION OF EFFECTIVENESSCONDUCT UNBECOMING A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
Offense:
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to Records:
Karen Hamilton’s statement for April 3, 2006
Mrs., Armel’s 2"! Grade 1:00-1:40 PM
Second grade classes were doing the OCPS-CIA lesson on Waste Water to Clean Water
which:is a hands-on, role-playing activity in which students work together in groups of 4
to make a plan as a sanitary engineer (wastewater plant worker) to remove debris from
the water and make it drinkable again.
Each table was given a cup containing coffee grounds, pebbles, raisins, and spaghetti
pieces. I also provided each group with a sieve, screen filter, coffee filter, paper towel,
measuring cup, and plastic bowl.
As each person in the group took a turn working with the materials, I alternated walking
from group to group and writing group findings on the white board. Students were
eagerly participating in the step-by-step process. Some were so excited that they forgot
the rule about keeping themselves and their chairs under the table.
At some time during the lesson while passing out or collecting materials back from the
students, I tripped over the leg of a chair that was away from the group table. I fell
against the chair hitting both knees on the back of the chair and my right arm with a small
white plastic bowl in my hand on the table. The bowl touched the student. I asked him if
he was all right. He said yes. I apologized for falling on him.
Ireminded the whole class that accidents happen when chairs aren’t where they are
: supposed to be in the classroom and in the workplace many accidents occur when the
equipment isn’t stored properly. :
' ‘The lesson continued without further reference to the accident.
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
P.O. Box 271 e Orlando, Florida e 445 W. Amelia Street
82802-0271 (407) 317-8200 32801-1127
April 13, 2006
HAND DELIVERY
Karen Hamilton
Lakeville Elementary
Ms. Hamilton:
continue until this office notifies you otherwise. During the investigation, you have
certain contractual rights, including the tight to have representation in meetings.
| understand that you may have questions regarding your Relief of Duty status. If So,
you may call me at (407) 317-3239,
enior Manage!
Employee Relations
ced indicates receipt of this notice Date
Cc: Kim Stutsman
CTA
Carol Gay
"The Orange County School Board js an equal opportunity agency”
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Fax to: Professional Practices Office
Date: June 20, 2006
Fax: 850.245-0621
From: Shonda Von Schriltz
Senior Manager
Employee Relations
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Phone: (407) 317-3239 Fax: (407) 317-3271
Email: E-mail! www.ocps.net
RE: Karen L Hamilton -Teacher © *”
Summary:
Ms. Hamilton has had numerous incidents while an Elementary School Teacher with
Orange County Public Schools. Ms. Hamilton was terminated June 13, 2006.
Administrative Complaint attached.
DATE: __June 20, 2006
DISTRICT REPORTING FORM
1. DISTRICT: _OCPS (a) CONTACT PERSON: _ Shonda Von Schriltz (b) PHONE:__ 407-317-3239
2. RESPONDENT'S NAME: _ Karen Hamilton (a) ADDRESS: _ 616 Archbald Avenue, Altamonte Springs
FL 32701-7916
(b) RESPONDENT’S Phone: (HOME) 407-831-3626 (WORK) n/a (c) DATE OF BIRTH: _ 5/11/1942
(d) SSN: (e) DOE CERTIFICATE #: 0000295714 RG (f) YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
employed since 03/15/1971
(g) SCHOOL: _ Lakeville Elementary School
(h) POSITION: _ Resource Teacher () SUBJECT/GRADE LEVEL: _ Resource
RRR EKA KER ERE RIKI AIRE RIB E REESE EERE IRINA SERIE ERIE IK AA IAAI B IIIA IAEA BRERA IAEA,
CONTRACT STATUS CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS
ANNUAL = —-_«__X STUDENT CONTACT RESIGNED
CONTINUING == SUSPENDED WITH PAY TERMINATED x
PROF. SER SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY NONRENEWED
SUBSTITUTE TEMPORARY DUTY REASSIGNED TO
ALLEGATION:___Numerous incidents reported, see administrative complaint
GEICO III I III IAI TOR RR IIIT TR IIT RR AIR BITRE TRIKE REAR R IAAI ARIAS AAI IAAL ES IRAE.
ENCLOSE THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:
1. All District Investigative Materials (i.e. notarized statements, arrest report(s), court documents, newspaper articles,
local investigative reports, termination documents, letter of resignation, district disciplinary action documents(s).
2. Copy of the Respondent’s Florida Educator’s Certificate, and Most Recent Application for a Florida Educator’s
Certificate.
3. Name, Address, Telephone Numbers, Date of Birth, and School NOW attending of ALL VICTIMS and
WITNESSES, if not already included in the District Investigative Materials (complete page two if necessary).
AREA NORTH ~ SHONDA VON SCHRILTZ
June 13, 2006 Board Meetin
INSTRUCTIONAL EMPLOYEE
REN HAMILTON — Termination
hite/Female
Age: 63
Ms. Hamilton has been employed since March 15, 1971 and is currently a
resource teacher at Lakeville Elementary. It is recommended that Ms. Hamilton
be terminated on June 13, 2006. (See administrative charges attached)
Docket for Case No: 06-002274
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Sep. 15, 2006 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Sep. 14, 2006 |
Joint Notice of Settlement and Stipulation for Dismissal filed.
|
Jul. 24, 2006 |
Substitution of Counsel and Notice of Appearance (filed by J. Brown).
|
Jul. 19, 2006 |
Amended Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum of Assistant Principal Ivy Hoyler filed.
|
Jul. 18, 2006 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum of Vernita Brown filed.
|
Jul. 18, 2006 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum of Assistant Principal Ivy Hoyler filed.
|
Jul. 18, 2006 |
Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum of Principal Margaret Osteen filed.
|
Jul. 12, 2006 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for September 21 and 22, 2006; 9:00 a.m.; Orlando, FL).
|
Jul. 12, 2006 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Jul. 10, 2006 |
Respondent`s First Set of Interrogatories filed.
|
Jul. 10, 2006 |
Notice of Service of Respondent`s First Set of Interrogatories filed.
|
Jul. 10, 2006 |
Respondent`s First Request for Production of Documents filed.
|
Jul. 10, 2006 |
Notice of Service of Respondent`s First Request for Production of Documents filed.
|
Jun. 30, 2006 |
Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Jun. 28, 2006 |
Respondent`s Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Jun. 28, 2006 |
Respondent`s Notice of Appearance (filed by E. Swanson).
|
Jun. 26, 2006 |
Initial Order.
|
Jun. 26, 2006 |
Administrative Complaint filed.
|
Jun. 26, 2006 |
Request for Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Jun. 26, 2006 |
Agency referral filed.
|