STATE OF FLORIDA EDUCATION PRACTICES COMMISSION RICHARD CORCORAN, as Commissioner of Education, Petitioner, VS. CASE NO. 190-0478 ANTHONY PAUL FRANCOIS, Respondent. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT Petitioner, Richard Corcoran, as Commissioner of Education, files this Administrative Complaint against ANTHONY PAUL FRANCOIS. 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 6A-10.081, Florida Administrative Code, Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, said sanctions specifically set forth in sections 1012.795(1) and 1012.796(7), Florida Statutes. The Petitioner alleges: JURISDICTION 1. The Respondent holds Florida Educator’s Certificate 1075165, covering the areas of Educational Leadership, English and School Principal, which is valid through June 30, 2023. 2. At all times pertinent hereto, the Respondent was employed as a Principal at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School in the Pinellas County School District. MATERIAL ALLEGATIONS 3. During the 2017-2018 school year, Respondent engaged in inappropriate conduct when he made sexually suggestive and harassing comments to his co-workers and subordinates. Respondent’s conduct created a hostile work environment for his subordinate employees. Multiple female employees at Respondent’s school reported feeling uncomfortable in light of Respondent’s comments regarding their appearance and felt their job performance suffered due to Respondent’s comments. Probable Cause Letter and Administrative Complaint.-2 ANTHONY PAUL FRANCOIS Administrative Complaint Page 2 of 3 4. Comments made by Respondent included, but are not limited to: Told a female staff member that she looked sexy in her dress; “Hey, why don’t you walk in front of me so I can check you out from behind;” “Why don’t you bend over so I can get a better look;” “Look at that ass;” “T’'d love to get me some of that;” “You know I can see straight down your shirt;” and g. “Oh you could break a dick off in that,” or words to that effect. mp ae oe The Petitioner charges: STATUTE VIOLATIONS COUNT 1: The Respondent is 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 2: The allegations of misconduct set forth herein are in violation of Rule 6A- 10.081(2)(c)4, Florida Administrative Code, in that Respondent has engaged in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interfered with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which created a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and further, failed to make reasonable effort to assure that each individual was protected from such harassment or discrimination. (SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWING PAGE) Probable Cause Letter and Administrative Complaint.-3 ANTHONY PAUL FRANCOIS Administrative Complaint Page 3 of 3 WHEREFORE, based on the reasons set forth herein and in accordance with the Explanation of Rights and Election 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 Sal day of Februacy ; 2020. RICHARD CORCORAN, as Commissioner of Education State of Florida Probable Cause Letter and Administrative Complaint.-4

Docket for Case No: 20-003938PL