Teacher in FCAT case is back on job

The Moton Elementary teacher was suspended for 10 days without pay and placed on probation for her role in helping pupils on the test.

By ROBERT KING, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 18, 2002

BROOKSVILLE -- Carolyn M. Sunderland, the Moton Elementary School teacher who ran afoul of state test security rules, returned to work Wednesday after the School Board approved disciplinary steps against her.

An investigation reported that Sunderland helped three students in her fourth-grade class last month during an FCAT math exam used to compare students against others around the nation.

Sunderland acknowledged violations involving two students but didn't recall a third. Still, she agreed to accept a last-chance agreement that allows her to return to work. In the end, Sunderland wound up being suspended for 10 days without pay and being placed on probation for one year.

The question remains as to whether her actions violated state criminal law and whether the Department of Education will act against her license. Education officials won't comment.

Assistant State Attorney Bill Catto said Wednesday that he is reviewing the school district's findings and will decide, probably within a week, whether to bring criminal charges.

Catto said he's unaware of any previous case in which a teacher has been criminally charged under the state test security statute. It's possible, Catto said, that State Attorney Brad King will determine that the district's punishment is sufficient.

The state law involved carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

-- Times staff writer Robert King covers education in Hernando County and can be reached at 754-6127. Send e-mail to rking@sptimes.com.

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