UPDATE on October 15, 2025: Ms. Mappala tells BocaNewsNow.com that she reached an agreement with the Palm Beach County School District and resigned her position.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Palm Beach County School Board is set to vote Wednesday to terminate the employment of Kristina Mappala. Superintendent Michael Burke, in a letter published below, says that Mappala’s termination should be effective Thursday, November 6, 2025, pending the board’s approval and any potential appeals.
The recommendation follows an investigation into Mappala by the Office of Professional Standards that began on or about July 22, 2025. The investigation was based on multiple policy violation allegations, including: “Failed to Follow Policy/Rules/Procedures,” “Inappropriate Physical Contact with Student(s),” and “Failure to Exercise Best Professional Judgment”. According to the meeting agenda, all three allegations were substantiated at the conclusion of the investigation.
The investigation found that Mappala’s actions violated numerous district and state regulations. The substantiated allegation of “Failure to Exercise Best Professional Judgment” was also found to be in violation of policies regarding the responsibilities of school district personnel and conditions of employment.
Mappala, assigned to Panther Run Elementary School, can appeal her termination.The school board meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Board Room at the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center.
