Delray Beach Elementary School Teacher To Be Fired

Palm Beach County School Board to vote on termination following investigation into ethical misconduct allegations

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic school supply item such as a paintbrush, pencil, or notebook repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the controversy surrounding the termination of a local teacher.The termination of a Delray Beach elementary school art teacher raises concerns about ethics and accountability in the local education system.Delray Beach Today

The Palm Beach County School Board is set to vote on the termination of JaMauri Hawkins, an art teacher at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach, Florida, following a district investigation that substantiated allegations of ethical misconduct and poor professional judgment.

Why it matters

Teacher misconduct and termination cases can be controversial, raising questions about due process, accountability, and the overall quality of education in local school districts.

The details

The district's Office of Professional Standards opened an investigation into Hawkins on or about January 6, 2026, based on two allegations: Ethical Misconduct and Failure to Exercise Best Professional Judgment. According to documents, both allegations were substantiated at the conclusion of the investigation. Superintendent Michael J. Burke formally notified Hawkins of his recommendation for termination in a letter dated March 3, 2026. The violations cited include multiple district policies related to discrimination and harassment, code of ethics, and conditions of employment, as well as Florida Rule 6A-10.081 governing the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession.

  • The investigation into Hawkins began on or about January 6, 2026.
  • Superintendent Burke notified Hawkins of the termination recommendation on March 3, 2026.
  • The Palm Beach County School Board is set to vote on the termination on April 15, 2026.
  • If approved, Hawkins's employment would end effective Friday, May 1, 2026.

The players

JaMauri Hawkins

An art teacher at Pine Grove Elementary School in Delray Beach, Florida, who is facing termination following an investigation into allegations of ethical misconduct and poor professional judgment.

Michael J. Burke

The Superintendent of the Palm Beach County School District, who has recommended the termination of Hawkins.

Palm Beach County School Board

The governing body that is set to vote on the termination of Hawkins at their April 15, 2026 meeting.

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What they’re saying

“Just cause' exists to support the termination, which the superintendent says can be backed by clear and convincing evidence.”

— Michael J. Burke, Superintendent

What’s next

If the Palm Beach County School Board approves the termination as expected, Hawkins has the right to appeal the decision, either through a grievance process under the Classroom Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement or by requesting a hearing before the Division of Administrative Hearings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of teacher accountability and the need for thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct in order to maintain public trust in the education system. The outcome will likely have implications for the district's policies and procedures around teacher discipline and termination.