You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

Harrell v. School Board of Miami-Dade County

Citations: 866 So. 2d 704; 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 17616Docket: No. 3D03-53

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; November 18, 2003; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Micah D. Harrell appeals the School Board of Miami-Dade County's final order terminating his professional service contract and dismissing him from employment. The court affirms the School Board’s decision, noting that the administrative law judge's findings were backed by competent substantial evidence, validating the School Board's acceptance of these findings. The evidence supports the termination of Harrell's contract. The court also finds no due process violations, stating that Harrell was adequately informed of the charges, had a fair opportunity to defend himself, and that the proceedings were impartial. The termination was based on evaluations conducted under the Professional Assessment and Comprehension Evaluation System (PACES), which was supported by both the School Board and The United Teachers of Dade.

Legal Issues Addressed

Due Process in Employment Termination

Application: The court determined that there were no due process violations in the termination proceedings, as Harrell was adequately informed of the charges against him and had a fair opportunity to defend himself.

Reasoning: The court also finds no due process violations, stating that Harrell was adequately informed of the charges, had a fair opportunity to defend himself, and that the proceedings were impartial.

Termination of Employment in Educational Settings

Application: The court upheld the School Board's decision to terminate Harrell's contract, emphasizing that the administrative law judge's findings were supported by competent substantial evidence.

Reasoning: The court affirms the School Board’s decision, noting that the administrative law judge's findings were backed by competent substantial evidence, validating the School Board's acceptance of these findings.

Use of Evaluation Systems in Employment Decisions

Application: Harrell's termination was based on evaluations conducted under the PACES, a system supported by both the School Board and The United Teachers of Dade, which the court found to be a valid basis for termination.

Reasoning: The termination was based on evaluations conducted under the Professional Assessment and Comprehension Evaluation System (PACES), which was supported by both the School Board and The United Teachers of Dade.