Findings Of Fact Based upon my observation of the witnesses and their demeanor while testifying, the documentary evidence received, and the entire record compiled herein, I hereby make the following relevant findings of fact. Jorge Barahona is a sixteen (16) year old repeat eighth grader enrolled in the Respondent, School Board of Dade County, Public School System. Petitioner's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julio Barahona, were notified by letter dated March 16, 1983, by certified mail, return receipt requested, that Jorge, who was then attending Kinlock Park Junior High School, was being transferred to the Youth Opportunity School South based on his disruption of the educational process in the regular school program. Prior to the Respondent's decision to assign Petitioner to an alternative placement, Respondent, through its staff, undertook various measures in an effort to quell Jorge's disruptive activities and to provide an educational setting for him in a regular classroom. These measures included counselor referrals on October 13, 15, 19, 21, and 27, 1982. At that time, a committee including Petitioner's teacher, the school's then assistant principal, W. George Cosgrove, and a guidance counselor all discussed the Petitioner's disruptive activities and placed him in the "outreach program". The Outreach Program is designed to utilize extraordinary measures to attempt to foster respect in students who exhibit disruptive behavior while attending school in a regular classroom. While placed in the Outreach Program, Jorge was again referred repeatedly to counselors for disruptions. On November 1, 1982, Jorge was advised that his next referral would result in an indoor suspension. Petitioner was repeatedly absent from school during the early part of November, 1982, and when he returned to school on the fifth (5) day following the November vacation, he was again referred for counseling due to disruptive conduct. At that time, December 3, 1982, he was given a five-day indoor suspension. During mid-January, 1983, Petitioner was again referred for counseling by three instructors which resulted in an extension of an earlier indoor suspension. On November 21, 1983, Petitioner embarked upon a course of abusive and profane outbursts which resulted in his being escorted to the Principal's office where he was again given an additional two-day indoor suspension. Petitioner's defiant behavior continued and an internal disciplinary committee decided to recommend that he be reassigned to the Opportunity School Program at Youth Opportunity School South. The Position of Petitioner's Parents The Petitioner's parents voiced their contention that Petitioner did not violate any school rules when he was assigned to the regular school program and that Petitioner had recurring medical problems which were the cause of his behavior. Finally, the parents (of Petitioner) contend that the school officials are not treating the Petitioner fairly by recommending the alternative placement for Petitioner. The evidence reveals that Petitioner is eligible for an educational alternative program because he is disruptive, disinterested and unsuccessful in a normal school environment. Rule 6A-1.994(2), Florida Administrative Code. There is no evidence to support the Petitioner's claim that he was unfairly treated due to the fact that he is the subject of an alternative educational assignment. Respondent's recommendation of Petitioner was based on a history of repeated disruptions by Petitioner while enrolled in a regular school environment.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED: That the School Board enter a Final Order assigning Petitioner to an alternative school program. RECOMMENDED this 10th day of October, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of October, 1983.
Findings Of Fact During the 1985-86 school year, Respondent Francisco Gutierrez was a student in the eighth grade at Rockway Junior High School. Respondent was suspended a total of 38 days during the 1985-86 school year as a result of his defiant and disruptive behavior. Between November 1985 and April 1986 fourteen Student Case Management Referral Forms were written regarding Respondent's behavior by six different teachers. These complaints concerned Respondent's refusal to abide by school rules and involved such conduct as repeatedly refusing to serve detentions, refusal to work in class, preventing other students from working, refusing to sit or stand where instructed to by various teachers, refusal to refrain from talking with other students after being directed to stop talking, playing tackle football, refusal to "dress out" in his physical education class, "blasting" the foghorn during his physical education class, and throwing paper in the classroom. These various incidents resulted in Respondent's numerous indoor and outdoor suspensions. By the end of the third grading period during the 1985-86 school year, Respondent's grades were F3F in Art, D3F in Industrial Education, C2C in Physical Education, F3F in Mathematics, F3F in Language Arts, and F3C in Social Studies. Respondent's only passing grade of "C" in Physical Education was given to him by a teacher who had just taken over teaching that class two weeks earlier. Several conferences with Respondent's parents were held by school personnel during the school year. At those conferences it was learned that Respondent intended to fail in school so that when he was eventually promoted to Coral Park Senior High School, he would be older and physically more mature than others in his class and he would, therefore, be able to excel in sports. Respondent's plan is condoned by his father, and, accordingly, conferences with the parents in an effort to help Respondent were exercises in futility. In April 1986 a conference was held at Rockway Junior High School which culminated in the recommendation that Respondent be transferred into the educational alternative program at J. R. E. Lee which offers smaller classes, behavioral modification, and full-time psychologists. Respondent's own therapist agrees that Respondent is disruptive and disinterested in school and that Respondent could benefit from a more structured educational program.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is, RECOMMENDED that a Final Order be entered assigning Respondent Francisco Gutierrez to the educational alternative program at J. R. E. Lee until such time as his performance reveals that he can be returned to the regular school program. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 9th day of September, 1986, at Tallahassee, Florida. LINDA M. RIGOT, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 9th day of September, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Leonard Britton, Superintendent School Board of Dade County 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Phyllis O. Douglas Assistant Board Attorney Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Frank R. Harder, Esquire Twin Oaks Building, Suite 100 2780 Galloway Road Miami, Florida 33165 Mr. & Mrs. Eugenio Gutierrez 9570 S.W. 28 Street Miami, Florida 33165
Findings Of Fact Alexander Harris was a student at Parkway Junior High School during the 1984-85 and 1985-86 school years until his assignment to the alternative school. He also attended summer school in 1985 For the school year 1984-85, Harris received final grades of F in four classes and C in two classes. The classes he passed were special placements in the exceptional education classes for the learning disabled in mathematics and language arts. Harris attended summer school in 1985 and received a final grade of F for the two classes he took. Harris has an extensive history of disciplinary problems. On September 13, 1984, he was referred for discipline for class disruption and refusal to do his assignment. On September 18, 1984, he was again referred for constantly causing class disruption. Three days later, on September 21, 1984, he was suspended for three days for throwing juice cartons in the cafeteria during lunch. Harris was again disciplined on October 18, 1984, for refusing to dress out for P.E. and using obscene language in speaking to the teacher. He was suspended for five days on February 11, 1985, for skipping class and running and hiding from the school administrator. On April 3, 1985, Harris was suspended for three days for fighting. Finally, on May 24, 1985, Harris was suspended for ten days and was recommended for expulsion for possession and concealment of a loaded gun on the school campus during school hours. Harris was not expelled, but the recommendation was changed to that at issue in these proceedings.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the School Board of Dade County enter a Final Order assigning Alexander Harris to the alternative school program at Jan Mann Opportunity School-North. DONE and ORDERED this 19th day of February, 1986, in Tallahassee, Florida. DIANE K. KIESLING, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 19th day of February, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Frank R. Harder, Esquire 2780 Galloway Road (87th Avenue) Suite 100, Twin Oaks Building Miami, Florida 33165 Mrs. Essie Harris, Mother of Alexander Harris P. O. Box 2464 Miami, Florida 33055 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools Dade County Public Schools Board Administration Building 1450 N.E. Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Mrs. Maeva Hipps 1415 N.E. 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33136
Findings Of Fact Respondent entered the seventh grade at North Miami Junior High School at the beginning of the 1982-83 school year. Petitioner reassigned him to the Jan Mann Opportunity School-North in December, 1982. Petitioner presented Respondent's school records which reflected ten separate incidents requiring disciplinary action between September and December, 1983. His grades for achievement, effort and conduct were unsatisfactory in all courses during this period.
Recommendation In consideration of the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That Petitioner enter a Final Order affirming its assignment of Respondent to an educational alternative program. DONE and ENTERED this 26th day of April, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. T. CARPENTER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 26th day of April, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Mark Valentine, Esquire 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mrs. Gail Shaw Abreu 1139 Northeast 127th Street North Miami, Florida 33161 Dr. Leonard Britton, Superintendent Dade County Public Schools Lindsey Hopkins Building 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132
The Issue The issue presented for decision herein concerns the appeal of the Board's assignment of Jesus Valladares to Youth Opportunity School South, an alternative school placement.
Findings Of Fact Jesus Valladares, date of birth April 11, 1970, is an eighth grader who was enrolled at Rockway Junior High School during the 1983-84 school year in the Dade County School System. By letter dated March 14, 1983, Respondent was advised by the Director, Alternative Education Placement, William Perry, Jr., that in lieu of expulsion, Jesus was being administratively assigned to the opportunity school program. The basis of that administrative assignment stems from an incident on February 16, 1984 wherein Respondent carried a knife on his person while attending school at Rockway Junior High School. On February 14, 1984, Respondent displayed the knife to several students and threatened one student with the knife. On February 16, 1984, Lewis Plate, Principal of Rockway Junior High, took the knife from Respondent's person. As noted herein above, Respondent, or a representative on his behalf, did not appear to contest or otherwise refute the basis upon which the Petitioner administratively assigned him to Youth Opportunity School South.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of of law, it is hereby recommended: 1. That the Petitioner, School Board of Dade County, Florida, enter a Final Order of assignment of Respondent, Jesus Valladares, to Youth Opportunity School South, an alternative school placement. RECOMMENDED this 13th day of July, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 13th day of July, 1984.
The Issue By letter dated December 17, 1984, Petitioner, School Board of Dade County, advised the mother of Respondent, Torrey Sherwin Davis, that Respondent was being administratively assigned to an educational alternative program at Jann-Mann Opportunity School- North effective upon receipt of the letter because of Respondent's "disruption of the educational process in the regular school program and failure to adjust to the regular school program." Thereafter, Respondent's mother timely requested a hearing to contest this assignment.
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant thereto, Respondent, Torrey Sherwin Davis (Torrey), was a sixth grader at Rainbow Park Elementary School in Dade County, Florida, during school year 1984-85. The school is under the jurisdiction of Petitioner, School Board of Dade County. While attending Rainbow Park, Torrey exhibited disruptive behavior on a number of occasions. The dates of such behavior and a detailed description of the same are set forth in detail in Petitioner's exhibit 1 received in evidence. They include pushing, hitting and biting other students both in and out of the classroom, yelling and disrupting classes during periods of instruction, being rude and disrespectful to teachers, and "feeling" female students. Torrey has been repeatedly counseled by teaching personnel regarding his conduct, and at least two or three teacher-parent conferences were held by school officials with Torrey's father. This counseling failed to produce a change in his behavior. Respondent's conduct become so disruptive by December, 1984, that Torrey was unable to function properly in a normal school environment. After a careful assessment of his academic progress and behavior by school officials, Petitioner reassigned Torrey on December 17, 1984, to Jann-Mann Opportunity School- North effective immediately. He has remained there since that time. Although Respondent's mother contended that Torrey was "picked on" by his teacher, periodic monitoring of Torrey's classes by the school's assistant principal dispelled the validity of this claim.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that a Final Order be entered determining that Respondent be placed in an educational alternative program. DONE and ORDERED this 8th day of August, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904)488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division Administrative Hearings this 8th day of August, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Mary Davis 1500 N.W. 154th Street Opa Locka, Florida 33054 Mark A. Valentine, Esq. Suite 800, 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137
The Issue Whether or not the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, is guilty of misconduct in office, and/or incompetency, and/or willful neglect of duty, as set forth in s231.36(6), F.S., in that during the 1975-76 school year, the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, caused to be prepared and submitted, documentation, including but not limited to, State Board of Education forms ESE- 269 and ESE-135, which subsequently, qualified Horizon Elementary School for additional FTE funding for students classified as "gifted" in the fourth and fifth grades, when, during the 1975-76 school year, as Principal of Horizon Elementary School, the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, failed to provide and/or implement an appropriate program for those gifted students, in accordance with the "1975 District Procedures for Providing Special Education for Exceptional Students.", all as alleged in the first substantive paragraph of the complaint letter. Whether or not the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, is guilty of misconduct in office, and/or incompetency, and/or willful neglect of duty, as set forth in s231.36(6), F.S., in that during the 1975-76 school year, while the Respondent, James P. Walsworth served as Principal of Horizon Elementary School, he caused two children, to wit: Warren Moody and Johnny Knight to be placed in the Educable Mentally Handicapped (EMH) program at Horizon Elementary School, and these two children were not certified for such a program, thus violating s230.23(4)(m) Subsections 1 - 7, F.S., Rules of the State Board of Education of Florida, policies of the School Board of Broward County, Florida, and the "1975 District Procedures for Providing Special Education for Exceptional Students.", all as alleged in the second substantive paragraph of the complaint letter. Whether or not the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, is guilty of misconduct in office, and/or incompetency, and/or willful neglect of duty, as set forth in s231.36(6), F.S., in that during the 1975-76 school year, while the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, served as Principal of Horizon Elementary School, Respondent, James P. Walsworth, caused to be prepared and submitted documentation concerning the Special Learning Disability (SLD) students wherein, of the 79 students classified by the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, as (SLD), only 49 were certified; thereby violating the "1975 District Procedures for Providing Special Education for Exceptional Students" and s230.23(4)(m) Subsections 1 - 7, F.S., all as alleged in the third substantive paragraph of the complaint letter. Whether or not the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, is guilty of misconduct in office, and/or incompetency, and/or willful neglect of duty as set forth in s231.36(6), F.S., in that during the 1975-76 school year, while the Respondent, James P. Walsworth served as Principal of Horizon Elementary School, he prepared and submitted documentation concerning one child classified as emotionally disturbed, without proper certification; and after having designated child for additional FTE funding, the Respondent, James P. Walsworth then failed to provide and/or implement an appropriate program for said child in violation of the "1975 District Procedures for Providing Special Education for Exceptional Students" and s230.23(4)(m), subsections 1 - 7, F.S., all as alleged in the fourth substantive paragraph of the complaint letter.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, James P. Walsworth, became Principal of Horizon Elementary School at the time of its opening in the fall of 1973, and has remained the Principal of that school, except for the period of his suspension between August 19, 1976 and November 18, 1976. Horizon Elementary School is a part of the school system of Broward County, Florida and the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, is an employee of the School Board of Broward County, Florida. During the pendency of the Respondent's employment at Horizon Elementary School, there was in effect certain District Procedures of the School Board of Broward County, Florida, pertaining to the education of exceptional children. The first of these were procedures for 1973-74 and appears as Petitioner's Exhibit #12, admitted into evidence. The second document represents procedures for the school year 1974-75 and appears as Petitioner's Exhibit #13, admitted into evidence. The last document is for the year 1975-76 and is found in Petitioner's Exhibit #14, admitted into evidence. All the aforementioned procedures in Petitioner's Exhibits #12 - #14, were enacted by the School Board of Broward County, Florida. In the school year 1975-76, the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, requested and received funding for seven students in the fourth grade and six students in the fifth grade, he claimed to be "gifted" students for funding purposes. This request for funding was placed in the October, 1975, funding count and the February, 1976, funding count. It is the October 1975, count that establishes the right to funding. Petitioner's Exhibits #19 and #20, admitted into evidence show the funding request for those gifted students. Petitioner's Exhibit #28, admitted into evidence, shows the total amount of FTE monies received in the gifted program at Horizon Elementary School. (The initials FTE stand for Full Time Equivalence). In the year 1975-76 the six fourth grade students which had been placed in the gifted program were taught by Terence Byrnes. Mr. Byrnes had a total class of 27 students comprised of third and fourth grade students. The gifted students were placed with seven other students for purposes of reading instruction. Terence Byrnes is not certain of any particular instruction about the gifted program given by Walsworth at the commencement of the school year. He only understood that he was being designated as the gifted teacher for the fourth grade students who had been designated gifted and had FTE funding claimed in their behalf. Mr. Byrnes did not buy any special materials for those six gifted students, per se, but selected materials which he felt the average fourth grader could not do because, "they would not know how." The materials selected were taken from the media center and the curriculum for the gifted was constituted of math, science, social studies and reading. The six gifted students in his class were not segregated from the other members of the class at any time during the instruction period in a physical sense. Those students, together with the other members of their group who were identified as students of solid average to above average were given open ended assignments, by that, all students did not have to complete all parts. Mr. Byrnes indicated that the emphasis on the program for the gifted and others was independent study where the student would have to think. He further stated that these gifted students and other members of their group were under his supervision. Some of the items of study were the use of globes, maps, film strips and human anatomy. The anatomy subject included the examination of a skeleton model, placing x-rays of the human body over light fixtures as a supplement to the study of the skeleton model and examination of the bones of animals to show the action of the sockets of those bones. The students then used tracing paper to outline the bodies of their fellow students and to place the skeleton and organs of the human body in the outline tracing. Mr. Walsworth commented that this skeleton model had been bought for sixth and seventh grade students. Approximately one hour per day was spent on the gifted program. Warren Smith was the teacher of the fifth grade students who had been labeled as "gifted" and had funds requested for their program. There were seven of these students who were placed with fifteen or sixteen other students in the top reading group. The other students were indicated to be academically talented. The gifted students were not physically separated from the other students. The type of assignments for the gifted and academically talented were open ended assignments and materials provided were materials provided for the gifted and academically talented. Mr. Smith remembers the instructions from Mr. Walsworth at the beginning of the school year 1975-76 as being, "to provide enrichment materials for the gifted," but Mr. Walsworth did not indicate what that program would consist of. The fifth grade "gifted" students read certain stories and wrote sequels to those stories. Some of the members produced a play and others wrote scripts and productions for television. The persons involved in the reading and writing assignments were "gifted" students; however, it was not clear what the involvement of the academically talented students were in this program. In addition, there was a clay and rock model in the curriculum area of a social studies unit on Western Movement and this program was an appropriate program for "gifted" students. Again it is not clear whether the "gifted" students alone worked on the Western Movement project, as opposed to the" gifted" and academically talented. During the school year 1975-76, Virginia Barker, the art teacher at Horizon Elementary School taught certain fourth and fifth grade students to weave on special looms, to do needlepoint on special canvas and string art, which she felt to be above the level of children in these grades. This work was done as independent study before and after school. Mrs. Barker indicated that these students had been identified to her as being gifted students, but her testimony was unclear on the question of whether those persons involved in this independent study would include children who were talented, but not necessarily identified and funded as "gifted" students. During the school year 1975-76 the students Warren Moody and Johnny Knight were placed and attended a program for Educable Mentally Handicapped (EMH) at Horizon Elementary School. Information on the child, Warren Moody, may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit #17 and Respondent's Exhibit #3, both admitted into evidence. Information on the child, Johnny Knight, may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit #16 and Respondent's Exhibit #5, both admitted into evidence. On October 1, 1973, the student, Warren Moody was given certain testing and a psychological report was rendered by Dr. Halcyon H. Carroll. The results of this testing and the conclusions of that examiner may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit #17 admitted into evidence. Dr. Carroll found that Moody did not qualify for a program for the Educable Mentally Handicapped (EMH). This conclusion and the remainder of the facts in that report are accepted as being the determination reached by Dr. Carroll. Subsequent to Dr. Carroll's report, a decision was made to place Warren Moody in the (EMH) program at Horizon Elementary. This decision was based upon a committee or staffing conference held between the teachers and school psychologist, Dr. Robert Ginsberg, conducted in the fall of 1973. Dr. Robert Ginsberg was the psychologist assigned to the Horizon Elementary School. Dr. Ginsberg made his decision notwithstanding the determination of Dr. Carroll. Dr. Ginsberg's decision was made in view of the comments of the teacher that the student was not performing at a reasonable level and in view of his own observations of the student; however, Dr. Ginsberg did not conduct any further testing on the student beyond the testing rendered by Dr. Carroll. The committee report and other matters pertaining to the October, 1973, staffing at Horizon Elementary School, at which time Warren Moody was placed, are unavailable. The record is not clear on the question of whether or not Dr. Ginsberg rendered a written psychological report in addition to the committee findings on the student Warren Moody, who was staffed in the fall of 1973. After Warren Moody was placed in the EMH program in the fall of 1973, he continued in the program through the end of the school year 1975-76. At all times his participation was in the Horizon Elementary School. In the spring of 1976, Queen M. Sampson, a school psychologist for the Broward County School System tested Moody and rendered a psychological report. Again this report is a part of Petitioner's Exhibit #17, admitted into evidence. In the report, Queen Sampson indicated that Warren Moody did not qualify for (EMH) in terms of testing and recommended return of the student to the regular classroom. On June 1, 1976, the student assessment and review committee met at Horizon Elementary School and concluded that the student should be returned to regular class. This report was entered at the end of the 1975-76 school year, and is part of Petitioner's Exhibit #17. In the school year 1972-73, the student, Johnny Knight, had been attending Royal Palm Elementary School. While attending that school certain tests were made of the student's ability to determine appropriate academic placement. Subsequent to the tests a report was rendered under the signature of Dr. Robert Ginsberg and co-signed by Dr. James R. Fisher, the Director of Psychological Services, in Broward County, Florida. The conclusion of Dr. Ginsberg was that the student did not qualify for (EMH) placement at that time, but did require much retraining and remedial help in all perceptual areas. A copy of this written report may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit #16 and the report is accepted as being an accurate depiction of Dr. Ginsberg's findings. The student was transferred to Horizon Elementary in the fall of 1973, for the school year 1973-74. After discussion with the teachers at the fall staffing for placement of students, determining that the student was not working well in the normal class setting, observing the student and reviewing the report of April, 1973, Dr. Ginsberg concluded that the student should be placed in (EMH). No written psychological report was rendered and no further tests were conducted by Dr. Ginsberg in the fall staffing committee conference. The student Johnny Knight remained in the program from the school year 1973-74 through the school year 1975-76, at which time, on June 8, 1976, per the re-evaluation committee's recommendation, he was removed from the (EMH) program. The placement of the students, Warren Moody and Johnny Knight, was for a period of three years from the fall of 1973 and was not in violation of any statutes, rules or procedures. The term, three years, means three school years. Acting on a complaint filed by John Georgacopoulos, school guidance counselor for Horizon Elementary School in the years 1974-75 and 1975-76, the Superintendent of Schools of the School Board of Broward County, Florida, ordered an audit of the Horizon Elementary records. One of the aspects of the audit was to examine certain folders on the specific Learning Disability students who were enrolled in the year 1975-76. These folders were folders that were found in the main office of the school. The audit report which is Petitioner's Exhibit #1, admitted into evidence, in part, states that 79 folders were examined in the course of the audit. In addition there was testimony by one of the auditors, that a computer print-out contained the names of those students that were found in the Specific Learning Disability program (SLD). Apparently the auditor was referring to that computer print-out which is Petitioner's Exhibit #8, admitted into evidence. That exhibit shows a color code for certain categories and (SLD) is shown in yellow. The number of (SLD) students in the year 1975-76 was determined by the auditors on the basis of the examination of the file folders in the main office and the computer print-out and this gave them the number 79. When the charge was made, it alleged 74 students were in the (SLD) program in the 1975-76 school year, but was subsequently amended during the course of the hearing to reflect the number 79, which appeared in the audit report. In fact, FTE funding in the (SLD) program of Horizon Elementary was claimed for 71 students in the October 27 - 31, 1975, count and for 74 students in the February 23 - 27, 1976, count as reflected in Petitioner's Exhibit #19, admitted into evidence. Therefore, funding would have been received for 71 students in October, 1975, in the (SLD) program. Moreover, testimony established that it was this October count which set up the process for the actual receipt of funds for such program. Of the 79 students claimed to be enrolled in the 1975-76 school year, in the category (SLD), 47 of those students whose files were examined were felt to be properly certified. Certification to the audit members meant that a school psychologist had indicated the propriety of placing that student in the (SLD) program in years prior to 1975-76, and after 1975-76 that a form known as B-1 had to be signed by the Director of Exceptional Student Education or his designee to have certification. This word certified comes from the audit summary table found in the audit, Petitioner's Exhibit #1. The original charge claimed 47 students of the (SLD) program were certified. This number was amended to read 49 as certified, such amendment being made in the course of the hearing. In addition to the audit report, there was prepared a tally sheet. This tally sheet was the product of the three auditors and pertained to the (SLD) students. The tally sheet is Petitioner's Exhibit #15, admitted into evidence. It shows 79 names, which are the names of the file folders examined in the audit. It has certain columns pertaining to items being sought, one of which columns is the aforementioned certification. Looking at this exhibit it is determined that there are 30 names of students, whom the auditors did not locate data for on the column labeled certification. Those 30 names are found in a separate part of Petitioner's Exhibit #15, In determining what data existed, the auditors had asked the Respondent to produce his files, they had looked at files in the main office and in the Specific Learning Disability room, and at the Diagnostic Center for the Exceptional Education Program in Broward County. Their examination of the Diagnostic Center files was only on a random basis. They had also spoken to the (SLD) teachers at Horizon Elementary in a general way, but not as to the specific names of students that they could not find data for. The auditors did not look in the cumulative folders, which were found with the homeroom teachers of the 30 (SLD) students. No document was offered which shows which if any of the 79 students named on the tally sheet were part of the 71 students for whom FTE funding in the (SLD) program was claimed for in the October 27 - 31, 1975, request, nor was such documentation shown for which if any of the 79 students on the tally sheet were claimed as part of the 74 students who were involved in the FTE funding count of February 23 - 27, 1976. Therefore, it is not known specifically which of the students were having funding claimed for them in October, 1975 and February, 1976. There was a great deal of testimony in the case concerning the referral process, testing, psychological evaluation, and staffing of those students in the (SLD) program at Horizon Elementary School. This discussion involved allegations and counter allegations about the conduct of the prescribed process, as to the compliance with procedures and the quality of that compliance, and the disposition of the evidence showing qualification of the (SLD) students for such a program, once placement had been made and funding requested. Essentially, the Petitioner was trying to establish, through its witnesses, that procedures were not followed in placing (SLD) students for the years 1973-74 through 1975-76 either in fact or in the quality of compliance. The Respondent, through its witnesses, countered that compliance had been achieved and that the placement of those students in the (SLD) program was correct. Within this testimony, there are claims on both sides that files either did not exist or certain data in those files had been removed. Some evidence which was offered to establish that testing was done on those 30 students whose names appear on Petitioner's Exhibit #15, will be found in Respondent's Exhibit #18 - #22, admitted into evidence. These Respondent's exhibits show materials taken from the files of the named students and compilation of tests scores kept by the (SLD) teachers, Bonnie Kirkham and Pat Sanders. These items were not seen by the audit team. Some information was in the possession of the (SLD) teachers based on notes of test scores that were take-offs of the original test booklets and documents, with the exception of one file which was mistakenly kept in the (SLD) teachers room, and the balance of the data was taken from the cumulative folders of the students, that had been kept in the homeroom teachers' rooms, which were not examined by the auditors. Other data may be found in Petitioner's Exhibits 36 - 38 which are psychological reports written by Dr. James R. Fisher, a school psychologist with the Broward County School System. These reports pertain to certain of the 30 students whom he recommended to be returned to regular class, and some of which were left in the (SLD) program from January, 1976 through the end of the school year to avoid adjustment problems. Although the psychological reports are dated September, 1975, these reports were not sent to Horizon Elementary School until January, 1976. In addition the attorney for the Petitioner after reviewing the evidence, concedes that the children, Jeanine O'Hara, Wayne Martin, Suzanne Cain, Karen Treese, Alderto Guzman, Laura Natzke and Kieth Franklin were tested and found eligible for placement in (SLD). After entertaining considerable testimony on the procedures and the whereabouts of certain data within the files of the 30 (SLD) students under discussion, and after reviewing the evidence offered to show the existence of data about the students, the undersigned is unable to conclude what the actual facts are, and for that reason it has not been shown that the procedures for placement and claiming funding were followed or not. However, there is strong evidence to show that the procedures were followed for placing the thirty (SLD) students, as shown by Respondent's Exhibits #18 - #22. On October 27, 1975, the student Anthony Buffone was tested by a school psychologist in the Broward County School System. This psychologist was Bob Lieberman, and Mr. Lieberman rendered a written psychological report, which indicated that Anthony Buffone should be placed in a program for Emotionally Disturbed children. A copy of this report may be found in Petitioner's Exhibit #18, admitted into evidence. This child was staffed and proper placement effected, in accordance with the existing law and procedures. The activity of placement transpired in the fall of 1975. The child was attending Horizon Elementary School in the school year 1975-76. The program provided for Anthony Buffone in that school year was to have him attend regular class part of the day and to spend approximately two hours a day with John Georgacopoulos, the school guidance counselor. Georgacopoulos was to help Anthony Buffone with academics, to assist in behavioral modification and to improve the student's self concept. This program was provided as needed, and this need turned out to be approximately two hours a day. In addition, the Respondent worked with the student in terms of counseling. The student spent some time in the (SLD) program but because of the disruptive nature of his conduct, was removed from that program. His attendance in (SLD) was from the beginning of January, 1976 through the spring, 1976. He was removed from the (SLD) program at the request of the (SLD) teacher. Mr. Georgacopoulos the instructor, had a BA Degree in psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a Master's Degree in Institutional Guidance and Counseling from Oklahoma City University. In addition Mr. Georgacopoulos had been approved by the Broward County School Board to do psychometric testing. Prior to coming to the Broward County School System in 1969, he had done work at the Wagon Wheel School in Oklahoma, in the field of guidance and counseling. He was not a certified psychologist, certified with the State of Florida. The Respondent recognized that the student Anthony Buffone, would have been better placed at the Castle Hill School which had a more comprehensive program for the Emotionally Disturbed, but the mother of the child did not wish this placement since it would work a hardship in transporting the child to the school, and would place the child in a location that was inconvenient to the parent.
Recommendation It is recommended that the Respondent, James P. Walsworth, be relieved of further responsibility in answering to these charges and that back pay and other benefits that he may be entitled to, be forthcoming. DONE and ENTERED this 4th day of February, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. CHARLES C. ADAMS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: John B. Di Chiara, Esquire Suite 1500, One Financial Plaza Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33302 Emerson Allsworth, Esquire 1177 S.E. Third Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33316 Mr. James E. Maurer Superintendent of Schools The School Board of Broward County Administration Offices 1320 S.W. Fourth Street Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, Respondent, Anthony George Fields, was a student enrolled in the public school system in Dade County, Florida. Since the 1979-1980 school year the Respondent has been enrolled at various times at either Centennial Junior High School or Cutler Ridge Junior High School in Dade County. During that period of time Respondent has been placed on either indoor, outdoor or bus suspension 14 times, totaling 57 days. The causes of Respondent's suspensions have been disruptive and defiant behavior, fighting in the classroom, possession of a knife, profanity, kicking another student, punching holes in the seat of a bus and theft of a purse. Respondent has been seen by his grade-level counselor a total of five times as a result of referrals during the 1981-1982 school year in an attempt to deal with his inappropriate behavior. In addition, the student's class schedule has been revised, and his counselor has had conferences on several occasions with Respondent's mother. As a result of the student's disruptive behavior, as outlined above, he was administratively reassigned from Centennial Junior High School to the Youth Opportunity School- South, an alternative school placement, as of November 21, 1981. Through February 11, 1982, Respondent had been absent from class without an excuse for 45 days.
The Issue The ultimate issue in the instant case is whether Respondent should be administratively reassigned to Petitioner's alternative education/disciplinary program at Jan Mann Opportunity School-North.
Findings Of Fact Based upon the record evidence, the Hearing Officer makes the following Findings of Fact: Norland Middle School is a public school operated by Petitioner. Respondent was previously a student at Norland Middle School. While a student at Norland Middle School, Respondent was involved in an incident in August, 1989, which caused Petitioner to initiate action to reassign him to the alternative education/disciplinary program at Jan Mann Opportunity School-North. Thereafter, in September, 1989, Respondent moved with his mother from Dade County to Broward County and enrolled at Hallandale High School, a school operated by the School District of Broward County.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order dismissing the instant proceedings on the ground that Respondent, as a resident of Broward County, is no longer subject to Petitioner's jurisdiction. DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 30th day of January, 1990. STUART M. LERNER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 30th day of January, 1990. COPIES FURNISHED: Jaime C. Bovell, Esquire 1401 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Virginia Timmons 103 Northeast 185th Terrace Miami, Florida 33179 Madelyn P. Schere, Esquire Assistant School Board Attorney 1450 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Russell W. Wheatley, Assistant Superintendent Office of Alternative Education 1450 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Honorable Betty Castor Commissioner of Education The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Findings Of Fact During the 1982-83 school year, Respondent was enrolled in the seventh grade at Petitioner's Palm Springs Junior High School. This was his second year in seventh grade, and due to academic deficiencies, he would be required to attend the seventh grade for a third year in 1983-84. Respondent was absent from school without excuse eight times during the past school year and was sent to the principal's office on three or four occasions by his teachers due to disruptive classroom behavior. Three conferences with Respondent's parents were held by school officials in an effort to resolve Respondent's truancy and behavior difficulties. He was also given a requested class change during the year and was seen by the school counselor. These actions produced no improvement in his conduct. On January 24, 1983, Respondent was suspended for ten days following a fight during which he kicked another student. On May 25, 1983, he ripped a female student's blouse in an attempt to touch her breast. He was charged by juvenile authorities as a result of this incident and was assigned community work by the juvenile court. These incidents seriously interfered with the educational process as it applies to Respondent and other students at Palm Springs Junior High School. These incidents, along with Respondent's truancies, disruptive classroom behavior and academic failure, establish the need for the alternative placement proposed by Petitioner.
Recommendation From the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order assigning Lazaro Miguel Aquiar to its opportunity school. DONE AND ENTERED this 28th day of September, 1983, at Tallahassee, Florida. R. T. CARPENTER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 28th day of September, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Larry Hanfield, Esquire 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mr. Julio Ferrer 3899 Northwest 7th Street Miami, Florida 33120 Miguel Del Aquila, Esquire 3899 Northwest 7th Street Miami, Florida 33120 Phyllis O. Douglas, Esquire Lindsey Hopkins Building 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33137 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools Dade County Public Schools Lindsey Hopkins Building 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132
