BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Palm Beach County School District plans to fire a Boynton Beach woman who teaches English To Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL) at the elementary level. Officials say they investigated Sarah Partington and determined there was cause to terminate her employment.
It was not immediately clear what Partington is accused of stealing. There are no court records in Palm Beach County involving Partington and theft. The Palm Beach County School Board is expected to affirm her termination during its January 22nd meeting. BocaNewsNow.com obtained the letter of termination. Here are the key parts:
“On or about September 9, 2024, you became the subject of an Office of Professional Standards investigation based upon allegations of policy violations related to Allegation 1: Theft, Allegation 2: Failure to Follow District Fundraising Procedures, Allegation 3: Failure to Exercise Best Professional Judgment, Allegation 4: Failure to Follow Established Rules, Procedures, Directives. At the conclusion of the investigation, the allegations were substantiated. Therefore, these actions violate the following: Allegation 1: Theft, Policies 3.02(4)(a), 3.02(4)(b), 3.02(4)(f), 3.02(4)(g), 3.02(4)(i), 3.02(5)(a)(iv), 3.02(5)(a)(viii) Code of Ethics, Florida Administrative Code 6A-10.081(2)(b)(3), 6A-10.081(2)(c)(1), 6A-10.081(2)(c)(8). Allegation 2: Failure to Follow District Fundraising Procedures, Policy 2.16(4)(b), Fund-Raising Activities Relating to Schools (4)(b), Allegation 3: Failure to Exercise Best Professional Judgment, Florida Administrative Code 6A-10.081(1)(b),
Allegation 4: Failure to Follow Established Rules, Procedures, Directives, Policy 1.013(1) Responsibilities of School District Personnel and Staff, Policy 3.10(6) Conditions of Employment with the District. Sufficient just cause exists for you to be disciplined pursuant to sec. 1012.22(1)(f), Fla. Stat. and sec. 1012.27(5), Fla. Stat.; School Board Policies 3.02(4)(a), 3.02(4)(b), 3.02(4)(f), 3.02(4)(g), 3.02(4)(i), 3.02(5)(a)(iv)., 3.02(5)(a)(viii), 2.16(4)(b), 1.013(1), 3.10(6) and Florida Administrative Code 6A-10.081(2)(b)(3), 6A-10-.081(2)(c)(1), 6А-10.081(2)(c)(8), 6A-10.081(1)(b), and the Classroom Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement with CTA, Article II, Section M, Discipline of Employees (Progressive Discipline) for the violations stated above.”
Partington has the right to appeal the Board’s pending termination. It was unclear Monday if she had retained legal counsel, or intended to accept the termination without dispute. It was also unclear if Ms. Partington was assigned to one school, or “floated” between schools in need of ESOL instructors.
