• Augustus Chappelle was employed by the School District of Palm Beach County as a Technician - Systems II.
• On October 5, 2011, the Superintendent made a recommendation that Mr. Chappelle be suspended without pay and terminated based upon: (1) Excessive Absences: School Board Policy 3.80(1),  Leave of Absence ; Florida Statutes Section 1012.67, Absence without leave and the Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU/Florida Public Services Union (Regular), Article 22- SICK LEAVES; (2) Gross Insubordination:  School Board Policy 3.10(6), Conditions of Employment  and Rule 6B-4.009 (4), F.A.C. Criteria for Suspension and Dismissal.; (3) Unethical Conduct: School Board Policy 3.02, (4)(a), (4) (f)  and  (4)(j), Code of Ethics;  (4) Failure to Follow Policy/Rule or Directive, School Board Policy 3.10 (6), Conditions of Employment and School Board Policy 1.013(1) Responsibilities of School District Personnel and Staff; and (5) Failure to Fulfill the School District’s Job Description for a  Technician-Systems II, Job Code: 34200.
• Mr. Chappelle timely asserted his right to an appeal and a hearing was held before the Division of Administrative Hearings on January 30, 2012.  A Recommended Order was entered by the Administrative Law Judge on March 15, 2012, recommending the School Board enter a final order that suspends Mr. Chappelle from employment without pay and terminates his employment with the District.
• Petitioner did not file exceptions to the Recommended Order.  Respondent did not file any exceptions.
• This Final Order is in the best interest of the School Board.

I recommend that the Board adopt the Final Order in the matter of Palm Beach County School Board v. Augustus Chappelle, DOAH case number 11-5459TTS, a copy of which is attached hereto, and authorize the execution of all related documents.

Sheryl G. Wood, Esq.; General Counsel

A. Denise Sagerholm, Esq.; Associate Counsel