The Palm Beach County School Board is scheduled to consider a proposed order on Oct. 14, 2026, referring former Watson B. Duncan Middle School teacher Christopher Withers to the Florida Department of Education’s Disqualification List. Withers pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving a child and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Placement on the list would bar him from working at public schools and private schools participating in state scholarship programs.
The board is also set to consider Superintendent Michael J. Burke’s recommendations to terminate Christopher Obszarny and Rubin Dejadin, effective Oct. 29. The district substantiated allegations that Obszarny violated its drug-and-alcohol-free workplace policy and failed to use best professional judgment. It substantiated allegations against Dejadin involving inappropriate physical contact with a student, failure to follow policies and procedures, and failure to use best professional judgment. Both terminations are subject to appeal.
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