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DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD vs. JOSE L. RIZO, 85-002745 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-002745 Latest Update: Sep. 26, 1985

Findings Of Fact Jose L. Rizo was a student at Henry H. Filer Junior High School during the 1984-85 school year until his assignment to the alternative school. During his attendance at Filer, Rizo was involved in numerous instances of misbehavior that required disciplinary action. On November 9, 1984, Rizo was reprimanded and warned for cutting class. He received three additional reprimands and warnings for general disruptive behavior and for being in an unauthorized area on November 30, 1984; for general disruptive behavior and cutting class on December 18, 1984; and for excessive tardiness and for being in an unauthorized area on January 22, 1985. He was also placed on indoor suspension. On February 4, 1985, Rizo was placed on outdoor suspension for assault and battery. Rizo was disciplined for excessive tardiness on February 12, 1985, for general disruptive behavior and nonattendance on March 8, 1985, and for nonattendance on March 15, 1985. He was given dropout prevention counseling, but his misbehavior and nonattendance continued. On April 1, 1985, Rizo was again referred for discipline for excessive absences. On April 2, 1985, he was placed on outdoor suspension for aggravated assault and battery and a Complaint of Truancy was filed. Rizo was again referred for nonattendance on April 5, 1985. Finally, on April 15, 1985, Rizo was again placed on suspension for fighting . A recommendation for alternative school placement was made on April 24, 1985. Rizo will turn sixteen on October 10, 1985. He has expressed his intention to quit school at that time. Despite active intervention by school officials, Rizo's lack of interest in school and his failure and refusal to attend school remains unchanged.

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 Jose L. Rizo to the alternative school program at Jan Mann Opportunity School North. DONE and ENTERED this 26th day of September, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida. DIANE K. KIESLING, 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 September, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Jackie Gabe, Esquire Suite 800, 300 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Florida 33137 Mrs. Idelio Rizo 1160 West 30 Street Hialeah, Florida 33012 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools School Board of Dade County 1450 NE Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Ms. Maeva Hipps School Board Clerk Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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SCHOOL BOARD OF DADE COUNTY vs. JOHN ANTHONY TRUIJILLO, 83-000207 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-000207 Latest Update: May 06, 1983

Findings Of Fact Respondent was reassigned to Douglas MacArthur Senior High School- North, an alternative school, on December 16, 1982, because of his unacceptable conduct in Grade 9 at North Miami Junior High School. Petitioner presented evidence of 16 incidents of conduct by Respondent which required disciplinary action in the year preceding his reassignment to the alternative education program. Additionally, his grades in all courses were unsatisfactory at the time of reassignment. Respondent did not accept the alternative school assignment and instead obtained employment at a restaurant. He is now living with his grandmother, Mrs. Helen Wood, who seeks his return to a regular junior high school program. She has discussed this proposal with the principal of Thomas Jefferson Junior High School and he apparently agrees with her. Respondent's evidence established that his family life was difficult and disruptive during the period of his misconduct. His situation has now stabilized and he is responsive to his grandmother's supervision. He should, therefore, be given an opportunity to return to the regular academic program (Grade 9) at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School.

Recommendation In consideration of the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a Final Order classifying Respondent as a disruptive student, but permitting him to attend the Thomas Jefferson Junior High School in a probationary status. ENTERED this 6th day of May, 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 6th day of May, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Mark Valentine, Esquire 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mrs. Helen Ward 1000 Northwest 153rd Street Miami, Florida 33169 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Phyllis O. Douglas, Esquire Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

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DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD vs. MICHAEL ANTHON RODRIGUEZ, 85-003677 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-003677 Latest Update: Feb. 19, 1986

Findings Of Fact Michael Rodriguez was a student at Henry H. Filer Junior High School during the 1984-85 and 1985-86 school years until his assignment to the alternative school. During the 1984-85 school year, Rodriguez was absent about fourteen days, ten of which occurred from May 1 to June 18, 1985. School began for the 1985-86 school year on September 4, 1985. During the first month and one-half, Rodriguez was absent eight days. On September 18, 23, and 30, 1985, Rodriguez was counseled and referred to the visiting teacher for cutting class and excessive absences. A formal complaint of truancy was filed on September 30, 1985. Rodriguez has shown that he will not attend school regularly and was counseled regarding his refusal to attend school. Additionally, when Rodriguez came to school, he left without administrative authority on several occasions. When Rodriguez attended school, he was able to perform at an acceptable level. As a result of his repeated truancy during the latter part of the 1984-85 school year, he received final grades of F in Science, D in Physical Education, C in Social Studies, D in Language Arts, F in Mathematics, and C in Shop. Rodriguez was retained in the seventh grade. He also received numerous effort grades of 3, which means he was making little or no effort in his studies. On February 26, 1985, Rodriguez was disciplined for fighting. On September 8, 1985, he was reprimanded for general disruptive behavior. As mentioned earlier, he was disciplined and counseled on September 18, 1985, for cutting class and excessive absences. On October 3, 1985, Rodriguez was placed on a three-day outdoor suspension for defiance of school authority and leaving class without permission. Rodriguez was counseled on several occasions regarding his truancy, lack, of effort and failing grades. His mother was also contacted and participated in a conference. A Child Study Team Conference was also held in which it was determined that Rodriguez has no learning disability and his failure is due to lack of effort and truancy.

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 Michael Rodriguez 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: Sheila Rodriguez 610 West 35th Street Hialeah, Florida 33012 Frank R. Harder, Esquire Twin Oaks Building Suite 100 2780 Galloway Road Miami, Florida 33165 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

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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VENUS TARA RODRIGUEZ vs. DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, 85-001848 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-001848 Latest Update: Aug. 29, 1985

Findings Of Fact Allan Bonilla, currently Principal of Riviera Junior High School, was one of at least two assistant principals who attempted to work with Venus Tara Rodriguez during her 7th grade experience there in the 1984-1985 regular school year. He has been employed four years at that facility. Immediately prior to the winter vacation (commonly known as the extended Christmas holidays), on December 20, 1984, Venus left the campus without prior permission, this activity resulted in a two-day indoor suspension. In February, 1985, she received a three-day indoor suspension as the result of tardiness which culminated in an outdoor suspension the same month because her behavior at the three-day indoor suspension was so disruptive that it was deemed ineffective for her and the other students. In March, 1985, her rude and disruptive classroom behavior resulted in two indoor suspensions. In April 1985, as a result of her refusal to work during the last indoor suspension, she was assigned an outdoor suspension. Mr. Bonilla did not work with Venus as regularly as another assistant principal who was not available for hearing, but he expressed personal knowledge of the foregoing events and had interacted with Venus on several occasions for being out of class and boisterous. His assessment was that Venus could do the work required of her but that her behavior was so disruptive in the classroom that at the conclusion of the regular 1984-1985 school year she was failing two out of six subjects and was doing approximately "D" work in the rest. He agreed with the decision to assign her to an alternative school program, which decision was made because of Venus' need of individual attention and smaller class due to her habit of "acting out" in large groups. Venus' parents were contacted concerning each suspension. Mr. Bonilla testified that Venus has successfully finished 7th grade during the 1985 summer school session at GRE Lee opportunity School and he has received notice she will be reassigned and enrolled at Riviera Junior High School for the 1985-1986 school year commencing in September 1985.

Recommendation Upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is recommended that the School Board enter a final order returning Venus Tara Rodriguez to Riviera Junior High School. DONE AND ORDERED this 29th day of August, 1985, at Tallahassee, Florida. ELLA JANE P. DAVIS, 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 29th day of August, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Phyllis O. Douglas, Esquire 1410 N. E. Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Madelyn P. Schere, Esquire Dade County Public Schools Board Administration Building 1410 N. E. Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Mark A. Valentine, Esquire 3050 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 800 Miami, Florida 33137-4198 Ms. Wilhelmina A. Rodriguez 4110 S. W. 104th Place Miami, Florida 33165 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools Dade County Public Schools 1510 N. E. Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

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DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD vs. RAUL RAMIO LOPEZ, 85-000629 (1985)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 85-000629 Latest Update: Aug. 06, 1985

The Issue Whether the Respondent should be reassigned to the Opportunity School.

Findings Of Fact Raul Lopez entered the Dade County Public Schools in 1980 and was enrolled in the fifth grade. He repeated the fifth grade once, passed the sixth grade, and, in the 1984-85 school year, was repeating seventh grade. When Raul entered the Dade County school system he did not know the English language and was enrolled in a special program called English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). He remained in the program for three years. Raul received no bilingual educational services from the school system after the first three years. Raul Lopez entered Palm Springs Junior High School on September 7, 1984, and was recommended for alternative school on January 18, 1985. During the time Raul was at Palm Springs, he was referred to the office for disciplinary reasons on eight different occasions. Assistant Principal Long's testimony was the only evidence presented by Petitioner to show that Raul had a record of disruptive behavior. However, Mr. Long's testimony was not credible and, for the most part, was uncorroborated hearsay. Mr. Long had no personal knowledge of any of the incidents which caused Raul's disciplinary referrals, and could not provide any information, other than speculation, as to what had actually happened to cause each referral. Mr. Long explained that, when a disciplinary problem occurs, the teacher or staff person involved fills out a referral, setting forth the details of the incident. The assistant principal to whom the matter is referred then prepares a computer card on the incident, fitting the behavior that occurred into one or more of the available categories, such as "general disruptive behavior." Mr. Long's testimony regarding Raul's behavior came directly from a computer print-out. It was clear that Mr. Long had no independent recollection of any of the incidents. From the computer print out, Mr. Long testified that Raul received the following referrals: DATE REASON FOR REFERRAL 10/9/84 general disruptive behavior 10/16/84 defiance of school authority; dress code violations; rude and discourteous (Mr. Long stated that Raul may have had his shirttail out or not worn socks) 10/30/84 general disruptive behavior; rude and discourteous; no school materials (Mr. Long explained that Raul didn't have his books or didn't have his P.E. uniform) 11/1/84 excessive tardiness; rude and discourteous 11/13/84 general disruptive behavior; didn't complete class assignment 11/21/84 unauthorized location; no school materials 12/10/84 excessive tardiness; general disruptive behavior; rude and discourteous 1/11/85 general disruptive behavior; assault (Mr. Long stated that he knew nothing about the assault because he didn't handle the referral) Raul was placed on indoor suspension as a result of the October 9, 1984, incident, and was referred to counseling after the November 1st and November 13th incidents. Although Mr. Long stated that attempts were made to contact the parents, the only conference with the parents was on January 18, 1985, to inform them that Raul was being referred to the alternative school. Mr. Long had personal contact with Raul and found him to be defiant, hostile, and disrespectful. Raul also used obscene language. However, he also testified that he had never had problems with Raul. The evidence establishes that Raul had a very poor attendance record while attending Palm Springs. He was absent 25 days, of which 15 absences were confirmed truancies. The Dade County Public Schools Complaint of Truancy (R.Ex.-l) indicates that several conferences were held with Raul's parents concerning Raul's excessive absences; however, the visiting teacher could not remember whether he actually made contact with Raul's parents or merely went to Raul's home and left a message that Raul was truant, and Mr. Long's testimony concerning parent conferences was inconclusive. Several letters were sent to the home regarding Raul's non-attendance. Mrs. Lopez testified that the only contact she had with school personnel was on January 18, 1985. Raul has not been successful academically. He had to repeat the fifth and seventh grades. After the first nine weeks at Palm Springs he received one C, two Ds, and three Fs. After the first semester the number of Fs had increased to four. Mr. Long testified that Raul was not in school often enough to receive passing grades. He also testified that the low grades were a result of Raul's behavior problem. Raul testified that he didn't go to school because he did not understand the school work. He admitted that he does not read or write very well. He stated that nobody had ever asked him why he did not like to go to school. Raul admitted that he had refused to "dress out" for physical education class. Mr. Long did not know why Raul failed to attend school, but stated that every effort was exhausted at Palm Springs to correct Raul's problems. He felt that Palm Springs simply could not meet Raul's needs. The counselor at the school requests testing for exceptional education, and although Raul had been sent to the counselor, Mr. Long did not know whether the counselor had requested exceptional education testing. Mr. Long believed that Raul was in the proper academic program.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered approving the assignment of Respondent to the opportunity school program at Jan Mann Opportunity School-North. DONE and ENTERED this 6th day of August, 1985, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DIANE A. GRUBBS, 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 6th day of August, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Mark A. Valentine, Jr., Esq. Assistant Schoo1 Board Attorney McCrarY & Valentine, P.A. 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida Mitchell A. Horwich, Esq. Education Advocacy Project Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. Northside Shopping Center 149 West Plaza, Suite 210 7900 N.W. 27th Avenue Miami, Florida 33147-4796 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools Board Administration Building Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Honorable Ralph D. Turlington Commissioner of Education The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Phyllis O. Douglas Assistant School Board Attorney Dade County School Board Suite 301 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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SCHOOL BOARD OF DADE COUNTY vs. JANICE DOROTHY TURBEVILLE, 84-000455 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-000455 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 1990

Findings Of Fact Respondent attended ninth grade from August, 1982, through June, 1983. Although she was frequently absent without excuse, she passed all of her courses except mathematics. Since it was necessary that she pass this course to be promoted, she was encouraged to attend summer school in 1983. However, she did not attend and was required to repeat the ninth grade beginning in August, 1983. Respondent's unexcused absences continued through the first semester of the 1983-84 school year and she was again failing mathematics. By letter dated January 5, 1984, Petitioner informed Respondent's parents that she had been reassigned to an alternative school. Respondent's father, who is the custodial parent, objected to this transfer. He believes Respondent was bored by the repetition of ninth grade courses she had already passed. He concedes that her unexcused absences are unacceptable but believes that he can control this problem if the school contacts him on the day of the absence rather than at some later time. Respondent was withdrawn from school in January, 1984, by her father in the belief that the alternative school environment would be harmful to her. He asks that she be allowed to attend summer school this year in an effort to make up ninth grade mathematics. This request is reasonable and it should be granted. However, if Respondent fails this course or does not attend regularly, she should be assigned to an alternative education program.

Recommendation From the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a Final Order determining that Respondent is eligible for placement in an educational alternative program, but withholding such assignment on the condition that she attend the 1984 summer session and satisfactorily complete ninth grade mathematics. DONE and ENTERED this 7th day of May, 1984, 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 7th day of May, 1984. COPIES FURNISHED: Mark Valentine, Esquire 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mr. John Turbeville 410 N. Royal Poinciana Blvd. Apt. No. 6 Miami, Florida 33166 Madelyn P. Schere, Esquire Dade County Public Schools 1410 NE. Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132 Dr. Leonard Britton, Superintendent Dade County Public Schools 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

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SCHOOL BOARD OF DADE COUNTY vs. MARY ANN PHILLIPS, 83-002221 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-002221 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 1990

The Issue The issue for determination at the final hearing was whether the Respondent Mary Ann Phillips should be assigned to an alternative school placement. At the final hearing Kenneth Rogers, Assistant Principal, Homestead Junior High School, and Angela McCrenna, Assistant Principal at Campbell Drive Middle School, testified for the Petitioner. Petitioner's Exhibits 1-2 and Respondent's Exhibit 1 were offered and admitted into evidence.

Findings Of Fact During the 1982-83 school year, the Respondent Mary Ann Phillips was enrolled as a seventh grade student at Homestead Junior High School. On or about October 7, 1982, the Respondent Phillips was referred to Kenneth Rogers, Assistant Principal, by a Home Economics teacher as part of an investigation into the theft of another student's sewing supplies. The Respondent was found to be in possession of the stolen articles which included patterns, scissors and fabrics. A letter was sent to the Respondent's mother which requested a conference concerning this incident; however, no response was received from Mrs. Phillips. On November 30, 1982, six dollars was stolen from a purse during a class when the purse was placed unattended on a table. The students who had access to the purse were questioned by Rogers, who was told that the Respondent Phillips went into the purse while it was on the table. Rogers searched the Respondent and found six dollars in one of her books. As a result of this incident the Respondent was suspended from school for ten days. On February 7, 1983, the Respondent Phillips was again suspended for ten days for the theft of $27 from the purse of a substitute teacher. As a result of this incident, Rogers recommended an alternative placement for the Respondent Phillips. Following her difficulties at Homestead Junior High School, the Respondent Phillips received permission from the Petitioner to transfer schools and enroll as a regular student at Campbell Drive Middle School, but on a probationary status. The Respondent's mother was informed that the Respondent's continued placement at Campbell Drive was contingent on no further discipline problems arising. In May of 1983, Joanna Linardi, a teacher at Campbell Drive, discovered that her wallet was stolen during one of her classes. Linardi was missing cash and a large sum of money in the form of travelers checks. The next day a purse was found which was inadvertently left in a Home Economics class. The purse belonged to the Respondent, and among its contents were Linardi's wallet and travelers checks. Based on the Respondent's possession of the checks, an alternative placement was again recommended.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED: That Petitioner enter a Final Order assigning Mary Ann Phillips to its opportunity school. DONE and ENTERED this 17th day of October, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. SHARYN L. SMITH, 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 17th day of October, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Larry Handfield, Esquire McCRARY AND VALENTINE, P.A. Suite 800 - Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mitchell A. Horwich, Esquire Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. Northside Shopping Center 149 West Plaza, Suite 210 7900 N.W. 27th Avenue Miami, Florida 33147 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools School Board of Dade County Lindsey Hopkins Building 1410 Northeast Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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SCHOOL BOARD OF DADE COUNTY vs. CELIA LELA BENJAMIN, 84-002671 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-002671 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 1990

Findings Of Fact During the 1983-84 school year, Respondent was an eighth grade student at North Miami Junior High School. Due to academic deficiencies, she would be required to repeat the eighth grade if she remains in the regular program. Petitioner related some 12 incidents of disruptive or rebellious behavior by Respondent over the past two academic years which resulted in disciplinary action. She was also disciplined on at least two occasions for repeated tardiness and unexcused absences. Petitioner has made reasonable efforts to assist Respondent in adjusting to regular junior high school. She was transferred from one class due to disagreements with her teacher and she has received counseling on at least four occasions regarding her behavior problems. Respondent's year-end grades are unsatisfactory in mathematics and language arts, which are both remedial courses. She is thus experiencing serious academic as well as behavior difficulties.

Recommendation From the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order assigning Celia Lela Benjamin to its opportunity school. DONE and ENTERED this 5th 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 5th day of September, 1984. COPIES FURNISHED: Mark Valentine, Esquire 3000 Executive Plaza 3050 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Mrs. Maebelle Bolden Abner 2396 North West 73rd Terrace Miami, Florida 33147 Daniella S. Levine, squire Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. 149 West Plaza, Suite 210 7900 North West 27 Avenue Miami, Florida 33147 Dr. Leonard Britton Superintendent of Schools School Board of Dade County Lindsey Hopkins Building 1410 North East 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33132

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SCHOOL BOARD OF DADE COUNTY vs. CARLOS ALBERTO GIRALT, 84-000392 (1984)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 84-000392 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 1990

The Issue The issue presented herein concerns the Respondent's through the person of his parents appeal of the School Board's assignment (of Respondent) to Youth Opportunity School South - an alternative school placement.

Findings Of Fact Based upon my observation of the witnesses and their demeanor while testifying, documentary evidence received and the entire record compiled herein, I hereby make the following relevant findings of fact. By letter dated November 8, 1983, Petitioner, the School Board of Dade County, Florida, advised the Respondent, Carlos Alberto Giralt, an eighth grade student attending Glades Junior High School, that he was being administratively assigned to the opportunity school program based on his "disruption of the educational process in the regular school program and failure to adjust to the regular school program." Carlos Alberto Giralt, date of birth December 6, 1969, was assigned to Glades Junior High School as an eighth grader during the 1983-84 school year. During October of 1983, Carlos' brother was involved in a physical altercation with another student and Carlos came to his brother's aid by using a stick to physically strike the other student involved in the altercation. Initially, Carlos was given a ten-day suspension and thereafter the suspension was changed to the administrative assignment to the alternative school placement which is the subject of this appeal. 1/ Carlos' father, Salvador Giralt, was summoned to Glades Junior High School and advised of the incident involving Carlos and the other student in the physical altercation. Mr. Giralt was advised of the policy procedures in effect at Glades and was assured that Respondent would be given the least severe penalty, which was the ten-day suspension originally referred to herein. The Giralts are very concerned parents and have voiced the concern by complaining of Respondent's assignment to the Petitioner's area office. In keeping with this concern, the Giralts have requested that their son, Carlos, be reassigned to his original community school, Glades Junior High School. Respondent does not have a history of repeated defiant conduct as relates to School Board authority. According to Petitioner's Assistant Principal at Glades Junior High, Gerald R. Skinner, Respondent was last disciplined approximately two years ago. No showing was made herein that Carlos was either disruptive of the educational process or has failed to adjust to the regular school program.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is hereby recommended that the School Board of Dade County enter a Final Order transferring the Respondent to Glades Junior High School or other appropriate regular school program. RECOMMENDED this 24th day of May, 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 24th day of May, 1984.

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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