LCS Superintendent Rocky Hannah recommended a two-week suspension without pay, and Burgess tried to appeal. Verrone. My kids were involved in band, TV production, choir, and other areas. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - A battle is brewing within the Leon County School District, stemming from allegations that Lawton Chiles High School Principal Joe Burgess had misused funds meant to help Advanced Placement students. Go to the site above and click "Think You Already Placed an Order? This is a first in Chiles High School history, principal Joe Burgess said. Im searching for Rockys motives, does he have a buddy with a personal grievance over football issues or maybe one who wants to the principal at Chiles? If not, please subscribe using the link at the top of the pageand help keep the news you care about coming. Refresh your Cache!-Help! 2022 Glenn-Howell Distinguished Educator Of The Year, "Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. Remembering much of it, including the trip to the woods to meet a principal to give her some campaign signs. Oh yeah, and the campaign donations given to Pons in trade for building contracts including Art building at Killearn Elementary. Before deliberation, board member Dee Dee Rasmussen saidthe case had1,132 pages of transcript and 1,762 pages of exhibits. Where are those records? "The Leon County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity . The hours submitted often likely had no relationto the hours actually workedin the claimed pay period. "He was there for me during what was the lowest point in my life, she said, crying. 2022-2023 Student Parking Information and Off Campus Lunch Pass. "The Leon County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex (including transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender identity), marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or genetic information., Second Chance at Ghazvini Learning Center, Success Academy at Ghazvini Learning Center, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). A law firms alleges that burgess improperly paid employees for extra duty work and falsified records pertaining to payroll documents. View Map. School Board Business Meeting. The 2023 ESE Parent Survey window is now open and will remain open until June 30, 2023. AP funds are awarded to high schools for each student in each advanced placement course who receives a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. By Steve Stewart on July 18, 20216 Comments. Contact Ana Goi-LessanatAGoniLessan@tallahassee.comand follow her on Twitter@goni_lessan. This data is used to update the school profile, recognition at convocation and the honors senior page published in the Tallahassee Democrat. As a result of the findings, Leon County Schools is in the process of conducting a district wide audit of hourly pay procedures at all schools. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) Independent investigators hired by Leon County Schools recently recommended disciplinary action for Chiles High School principal Joe Burgess after finding evidence they say proves he paid employees in a way that was, quote, "grossly improper. JudgeG.W. "It is abundantly clear to me, as it has been for a while, we cannot wait for the staff and the superintendent to bring these policies forth," she said. Tallahassee Reports has requested information related to this issue from the Leon County School Board. Lawton Chiles High School is building a tradition of excellence by providing the best learning environment where students are challenged to be active learners, leaders, achievers and contributors within a global community. Becausehourswerenot tracked,itis impossibleat thistimeto confirm thateventhe minimumnumber ofhours needed were actually worked. REALLY!? Through his attorney, Mr. Burgess exercised his right to due process and asked that the matter be turned over to an administrative law judge for review. We deserve better but the HAHA Hanna money won out, so now more lives can be ruined. These related videos and comments expressed on them do not reflect the opinions and position of Leon County Schools or its employees." He was shocked to recentlylearn that he was under investigation for allegedly misdirecting Advanced Placement (AP) funds, but he was satisfied the investigation was closed when proof was provided that the payments were proper. Burgess has never targeted any student. Its part of the job. Instead of investigating Mr. Burgess (phenomenal principal), Rocky needs to open an investigation on the many other principals in this county. Burgess is a great guy. The district is expected to use that recommendation in its final order on the suspension. Its sad that a seemingly good person like Joe Burgess got involved in this. #Enough: Every Fifteen Minutes After listening to Steve Stewarts radio show this morning, it makes a lot more sense why Joe Burgess vehemently defended Kevin Pettis when many parents and players asked for an investigation into mistreatment of football players, financial discrepancies in the football program, and all around foul behavior by Kevin and his coaching staff. However, the report did find that Mr. Burgess should have known that documents that were approved for payment were inaccurate. If Rocky was a Republican our local leftists would be squealing racism and searching the Hanna family tree for slave ownership. Webster asked in a phone call with the Tallahassee Democrat. Please follow the link below to complete the senior survey. If you're already a subscriber, thank you! Lawton Chiles High School: Tallahassee, FL United States: NOV 15, 2015 - NOV 15, 2015 Mac Players Saint Paul, MN United States. Because some of the approved time was paid without documentation, the judge agreed with the district and said Burgess approved payroll information that he knew was inaccurate. Rasmussen apologized to Burgess, who sat in the last row of chairs, holding the hand of his wife. It just doesnt make sense for this nonsense, when administratively it clearly looks like the district office are truly the ones that are wrong here for not having sufficient policies and procedures to protect their principal and/or other principals currently using the same funds. "The Leon County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex (including transgender, gender nonconforming, and gender identity), marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or genetic information." He says he told Meyer he was not welcome back on campus. Whoever said that Burgess misdirects funds from school sports is truly a heinous liar. For your efforts Hanna bought you a new car from his HaaHaa account in Vegas. Leon County Schools on Instagram: "Congratulations to Chiles High School @chilestwolves principal Joe Burgess for being awarded the November LCS Principal of the Month! 19532022 Killearn Elementary School. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Any previous district wide audit, that the superintendent should have conducted prior to this attack on Mr. Burgess, would have found any wrongdoing prior to this investigation. She said her relationship with Burgess wouldn't allow her to vote unbiased. By Steve Stewart on July 14, 202124 Comments. Board member Rasmussencriticized the district's lack of policy regarding training for documentation of time worked. Chiles High School received $449,238 in AP funds in 2020-21 and evidence shows that approximately $107,777 of this money was used to fund extra duty hourly positions unrelated to AP activities. Back story:Chiles principal loses challenge of his two-week suspension by Leon County schools. Tallahassee resident Calvin Troxell said . "If we want to see policies, were going to have to bring them ourselves.". Please follow the link below to complete the senior survey. Moreover, in light of the fact that timesheets were being submitted for the extra-duty, hourly work at issue, it is nonsensical for one to argue that he or she was unaware that those timesheets needed to reflect the hours that were actually worked," the judge wrote. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that Burgess violated any law, policy, rule, or directive regarding the use of AP project funds. More:Chiles principal loses challenge of his two-week suspension by Leon County schools, More:School district continues to pay down debt but Chiles payroll issue raises red flag. The article is a series of sentences stating facts of the situation, including quotes from the accused and his legal counsel. TPD investigating shooting at Lake Bradford Road and Lake Avenue, Florida man guilty in 2017 serial killings of 4 people, Disabled veteran confronts past at Vietnam Memorial Wall. Rocky put Billy in a position of elementary director over the last number of years Billy was a high school principal. For those with a memory, when Rocky was promoted out of Leon high School he cried foul, now he promoted Billy Eptene from principal to a director. Burgess filed six objections to the recommended order, including that the district did not prove he violated a policy, that there was no training on time sheet procedures and the court erred by refusing to let Burgess introduce evidence of bias and motive. ABC 27 first reported on the incident leading up to the suspension in July 2021. Alex, my memory is good. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The decision to suspend Chiles Principal Joe Burgess for two weeks without pay was upheld Tuesday night by the Leon County School Board. School Board Agenda Review, 6:00 PM Rocky is the one that needs to go. Your email address will not be published. If anyone should be suspended it should be Rocky. Are you sure you are not confusing the leadership of Jackie Pons with the now current Superintendent. Now this policy thats not in policy, and this procedure that doesnt apply, and this practice that every principal has done including Rocky Hanna is now worthy of a two-week suspension?" At issue was. Misuse of Funds Allegations at Chiles High School Results in District-Wide Audit. Joe Burgess, Principal Megan Abbott, TOY William Buchanan, RETIREE Harold Cheeseborough, SREY Stephanie Hart, Adult Volunteer . Check your students grades and attendance from your smart phone! These related videos and comments expressed on them do not reflect the opinions and position of Leon County Schools or its employees." However, the investigation also found there is insufficient evidence to conclude that Burgess violated any law and the districts guidance on the issue can be unclear at times. Chiles Principal Joseph Burgess confirmed to WCTV that boy's basketball coach Rick Davis and girl's basketball coach De'Ja Jeffery have been removed from their positions as head coaches of . The coaching positions became open after the previous coaches were removed by the Chiles administration. What did a decent man like Joe Burgess do to piss off a scumbag like Hanna? Lets move forward and stop this pettiness, our kids need Mr. Burgess back at Chiles High School now getting the current administration ready for this next school year. Contact Ana Goi-LessanatAGoniLessan@tallahassee.comand follow her on Twitter@goni_lessan. This data is used to update the school profile, recognition at convocation and the honors senior page published in the Tallahassee Democrat. Want morenews coverage? Outsidelookingin, you need glasses or memory medicine. Comments (-1) Copyright 2021 WCTV. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - A battle is brewing within the Leon County School District, stemming from allegations that Lawton Chiles High School Principal Joe Burgess had misused funds. Chiles High School. The report repeatedly noted that school officials have broad discretion how to use the funds. Later in July, Burgess hired attorney Stephen Webster to appeal the proposed suspension and the board turned the matter over to the Division of Administrative Hearings before any district disciplinary action. The investigation ultimately recommended that Mr. Burgess be disciplined in accordance with the districts policies. Chisenhall issued a recommended order, concurring with Burgess' two-week unpaid suspension, after Burgess contested the suspension. What should WTXL be covering in this community. As such, he felt personally targeted when the investigation shifted to an entirely new allegation of wrongdoing once the initial allegation was disproven. Comments (-1) Tammaela Carter. It is a shame to see his reputation called into question with little to no facts to back them up. District procedure 1470 statesthat, Administrative staff shall have access to a grievance procedure.The Districts refusal to provide a copy of the procedure, and theDistricts refusal to provide a name-clearing hearing only further his belief that this action is retaliatory. @Stanley How is this a negative article? Refresh your Cache, Scan from inside the One Drive app on iOS and Android, Leon CARES - Individual Assistance Program, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The lawfirm foundthat "Burgessfalsified district records by approving, signing and submitting payroll documents he knew or should have knownwere inaccurate.". LOG IN. To hold one person at fault, when obviously there arent sufficient policies and procedures in place for everyone to follow, is just wrong. This is about Vendetta Driven Rocky! Crocodile Day by P.C. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail regarding official business to the District or any of its employees. Its obvious Rocky Hannah is a racistand thats ok if youre a dues paying democrat. In addition, why wont the district provide the information dictated by their own policies and procedures. Jones, Rasmussen, Georgia "Joy" Bowen and Rosanne Wood were left to cast their votes. Mr. Burgess has consistently placed the physical, mental, & emotional health of his students first, and is nothing but an asset to the school. Honor Flight receives warm welcome to D.C. publicfile@live5news.com - (843) 402-5555. You were were his major cheerleader when he ran in 2016. Youd have to be a complete idiot to think this is correct. Check your students grades and attendance from your smart phone! An employee "performing extra-duty, hourly work should be keeping track of his or her time. I forgot my password.-Scan from inside the One Drive app on iOS and Android- Unofficial Transcripts: click on "Grades" in your FOCUS account and print the "Grades" page. This kind of investigation does little more than harm the very students that LCS are supposed to be looking out for. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Bourgade Catholic High School is a diocesan, co-educational Roman Catholic high school in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Chiles High School Principal Felt Personally Targeted by LCS Investigation added by Steve Stewart on July 14, 2021View all posts by Steve Stewart . Webster filed an appeal on Burgess's behalf. I have one Chiles graduate and one currently attending. Theres an awful lot of unlikely, would have, could have, should have, insufficient evidence and apparently, bad math involved in this witch hunt. As such, he felt personally targeted when the investigationshifted to an entirely new allegation of wrongdoing once the initial allegation was disproven. Independent investigators hired by Leon County schools recently recommended disciplinary action for Chiles High School principal Joe Burgess after finding evidence they say proves he paid employees in a way that was, quote, "grossly improper.". Hanna wrote a book of lies about Pons. Please ask each school board member for a response. Click HERE for the 2022-2023 Off Campus Lunch Pass Application. "Im going to have a lot to say about this beyond the limitations from this proceeding today," she said. Any parent of a Chiles student athlete who has ever dealt with this arrogant windbag (Burgess) with respect booster finances knows full well he treats the booster budget as his own slush fund and targets the kids of those who dare question his authority. Comments (-1) Janet Mejia. Principal Burgess is a man of integrity. I pray that is not what is going on here a vendetta by Rocky. The monies at questions are labeled Advanced Placement (AP) funds. School board member Alva Striplin recused herself from the vote as soon as chair Darryl Jones called the meeting to order. The LCS Board voted to send the issue to a state level mediator, and the district later released the findings of a third-party investigation into Burgess managing of AP funds. Instead, contact the District or individual employee by phone or in writing." Please read the INSTRUCTIONS before uploading. A great leader sometimes has to make tough decisions. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Tallahassee, FL 32312. The administrative hearing will most likely say the same thing and nothing will happen to the person that has been accused. I am a parent of three former Chiles students and worked closely with Principal Burgess as the SAC Chairperson and various other volunteer positions. His level of involvement, integrity, and devotion is beyond my expectations as a parent. It will be interesting to see what the Administrative Law Judge issues as a Recommended Order once all the facts are on the table. In the conclusion of the document, it states that the school board adopts the recommended order for a two-week suspension without pay. Download the free Leon County District Schools FOCUS app.-How to Update YOUR Parent Contact Information-School Choice Status in your Parent Portal Account-FOCUS for Student and Parent Navigation-Having problems with CLASSLINK? Larry Auguste was named the boys coach and Troy Hartmann was named the girls coach. TO ORDER:WWW.YEARBOOKORDERCENTER.COMSCHOOL CODE: 1903, Can't remember if you've already bought one? Superintendent"Rocky Hanna did the same exact thing when he was the principal of Leon High School," Webster said in a phone interview. A PDF of these exceptions and the final order was attached to the LCS agenda for Tuesday's meeting. Principal Burgess has served ourschools with distinction, as historically evidenced by the unparalleled rankings Chiles High School has achieved, as well as a proven track record under his leadership as principal at Swift Creek Middle School and Springwood Elementary. Whatever shakes out I hate the thought of losing Joe Burgess from the school district, he will be snapped up quick. -The WolfCenter Staff. The word of doesnt even make any sense there; it cant function that way. WCTV was told by one staff member that there were roughly 20 people who spoke with investigators at Chiles. This all came to light with a small item on the Leon County School Board agenda Tuesday night. Based on information about potential misconduct related to the misuse of funds at Chiles High School, Leon County School Superintendent Hanna requested an independent investigation in June. Welcome to the Chiles High School Website. It is a 27-acre campus located at 4602 N. 31st Avenue, just west of Interstate 17, and several miles from downtown Phoenix. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We will continue to work with our students and our community to provide guidance to all students, especially those who would act in such an . Some of the extra work wasalso allegedly paid without documentation. If you think your kid was targeted its probably because they were an ignorant little racist just like their parents! You got that right. "Leon County Schools is not responsible for the content provided on "related" and "promoted" videos that are accessible from our social media sites. District Advisory Council, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Maybe we should start an investigation into the failure of the district to follow its own policies. much ado about nota except a continued and systemic waste of tax dollars on all parts. District Advisory Council, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM "I hope you take some solace in that, and I hope we can move on and you can keep on doing great things.. Thats when it was decided to send it to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. They reluctantly moved to reject each of Burgess' objections. And for some teachers, the investigation found that their extra work and pay was not outside of their regular duties and therefore was in violation of the collective bargaining agreement. "It speaks volumes to these young ladies, who I have known since middle school," he said. This is especially true, since Mr. Burgess is not the first principal in Leon county to manage these same funds previously used at Chiles and other schools in the county. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Anxious to prove his innocence, he requested a copy of the grievance procedure and a name-clearing hearing. All rights reserved. are due byFriday, May 5th. What should WTXL be covering in this community. The findings of the investigation, completed by the Coppins Monroe law firm, were detailed in a 20 page report. Shame on Rocky for trying to make something out of nothing please make it stop. But Chisenhall said the case "is an example of how the ends do not always justify the means Burgess had a system enabling him to dole out unauthorized supplements without any oversight.". The report found there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the Chiles High School principal, Joe Burgess, violated any law, policy, or rule. ", Superintendent Rocky Hanna said the district first learned of potential misconduct in June. However, an outside investigator was hired by Leon County Schools (LCS) to look into another issue. This is not easy. The investigation mentions several other staff members whose names are redacted from documents. Chiles High School principal Joe Burgess says he felt personally targeted when he learned he was being investigated for the second time after he put to rest initial allegations related to the use of school funds. Click HERE for the 2022-2023 Junior & Senior Parking Pass Application. Your email address will not be published. Joe Burgess gives his entire heart and soul to the kids at Chiles High School. Really? Chisenhall of the Department of Administrative Hearings. "His attorneys pathetic and untruthful attempt to turn the narrative and claim that I did something inappropriate is an insult to me and my 32-year career with our school system," Hanna added. Did this jog your memory? There was in most cases no expectationthat employees wouldtrackor submittheir hourlytime. Billy didnt cry foul. The duties for which he was paid AP funds were also included in his base pay. Im proud to be able to call him a friend. Should HAVE known. 1:04 A state administrative law judge this week agreed with the Leon County School District's decision to briefly suspend Chiles High School Principal Joe Burgess. He chased people out of the school system, he falsified information to the FBI, he dated teachers he supervised, all without penalty. Rue by Mandy Conner. 2023 www.tallahassee.com. Substantial concerns about Burgesss conduct with regard to a $10,000 payment to the Chiles High School football coach, Kevin Pettis. I would like to see some new board policies that really put these things in writing, incement, so that theres no ambiguity," Wood said. Joseph Burgess; Calli Pickens; John P. Swope; Jeff Lightfoot; Departments" Department Pages; Reading; Support Staff; . That for nearlyallemployees authorizedtoengagein hourly work utilizing AP project funds, [Principal] Burgess falsified District records by approving, signing, andsubmitting payrolldocuments he knew (or should have known) wereinaccurate.
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chiles high school joe burgess