1. Reach Out in Writing First
Contact Dr. Diaz at drdiaz@myocasa.net with a brief written narrative of the situation and any relevant documents. This gives our team an accurate starting point before anything else happens.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
In the demanding field of education, administrators often find themselves navigating complex situations that can lead to legal challenges. At OCASA, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive legal assistance to our members. Our commitment goes beyond just offering support; we actively engage in the process to ensure our members receive the best possible defense.
OCASA’s Legal Assistance program is designed to assist administrators throughout every step of the legal journey. Whether it’s attending meetings with Professional Standards or recommending the expertise of outside legal counsel, we are there to advocate for our members. We understand that the stakes are high, and the repercussions can be far-reaching. That’s why we provide the necessary resources and guidance to help you navigate these intricate legal proceedings.
By joining OCASA, you gain access to a network of experienced professionals who specialize in education law. We will stand by your side, providing personalized support and expert advice tailored to your specific situation. Our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Don’t face the daunting legal challenges alone. Become a member of OCASA and rest assured that you have a dedicated team of legal professionals on your side. Together, we will face any legal obstacles head-on, striving for a favorable resolution and the preservation of your professional reputation. Join OCASA today and let us empower you to overcome the legal hurdles with confidence.
How OCASA supports you
Professional Standards & Pre-Determination matters
If a Professional Standards concern, supervisor inquiry, or Pre-Determination Meeting comes up, you don’t have to handle it alone.
Here’s how OCASA’s support process works, from first contact through resolution.
2. Early Guidance
Our Professional Standards Advisor follows up personally — listening, gathering facts, and offering early guidance, including how to take notes and what questions to ask.
3. Case Coordination
If the matter is heading toward a Pre-Determination Meeting, Dr. Diaz takes ownership of your case — coordinating every step and engaging retained legal counsel, MT Legal Services, when needed.
4. Meeting Support
A dedicated Member Advocate — retired from OCPS — walks you through the process and attends your Pre-Determination Meeting with you.
5. After the Meeting
Your Member Advocate debriefs with you and the Executive Director, and together we determine the best path forward.
6. Resolution
Whether it’s a formal grievance, a state-level matter handled by MT Legal Services, or another path, OCASA stays with you until resolution.
Outdated Directives and Reprimands in Your Professional Standards File
OCASA Legal Services Member Guidance
You Have Two Files, and They Do Not Contain the Same Information
Every OCPS administrator has two separate files, and members are often surprised to learn what sits in each one. Your official personnel file contains the core documents of your employment, including your application, evaluations, credentials, benefits information, and the Final Action Summary of any discipline. Your Professional Standards file, by contrast, contains documents related solely to investigatory matters, including allegations, reprimands, directives, and other materials generated through Professional Standards proceedings.
OCASA Legal Services advises members to review both files periodically to confirm that the contents are accurate and to understand what the district is retaining about you.
How Long These Records Are Kept
State records schedules require OCPS to retain your official personnel file for a minimum of 25 fiscal years after separation from employment, and OCPS follows the Florida Department of Education recommendation to retain these records permanently. In practical terms, a document placed in your file this year may follow you for the remainder of your career and well past it. That alone is reason enough to know what is in there.
When a Reprimand or Directive Becomes Moot
OCPS does not maintain a formal policy governing when reprimands or directives become moot for administrative personnel. Professional Standards has confirmed, however, that it will honor the following provision from the contract between The School Board of Orange County, Florida and The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association:
“After two years, at the request of an employee, written reprimands, material of a derogatory nature or complaints shall be appended with the notice that the material is no longer relevant for disciplinary purposes, provided there has not been a recent incident of a similar problem or complaint. Recency as used herein shall be two years, except for written reprimands addressing excessive force and/or physical, verbal, or other conduct directed against students or employees in violation of the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession of Florida. In these cases, recency shall be five years.”
Two points are worth understanding clearly. First, the relief described above is not automatic. It happens at the request of the employee, which means nothing changes in your file unless you ask. Second, school-based administrators are not members of the CTA bargaining unit, so this standard reaches you as a matter of practice rather than as a contractual right. OCASA continues to pursue written Board policy protections that would place school-based leaders on the same footing that instructional employees already hold by contract.
Recommended Member Actions
Request your Professional Standards file. Email records@ocps.net and state that you are requesting your Professional Standards file pursuant to Florida public records law. Records related to an open investigation may be withheld until that investigation is no longer active, so if you receive a partial response, note what was withheld and why.
Review the file for accuracy and for age. Verify that the factual content is correct, then identify any reprimands, directives, or corrective actions older than two years. For the conduct categories enumerated in the language above, the applicable period is five years rather than two.
Submit a formal notice. Write to professionalstandards@ocps.net requesting that outdated disciplinary items be formally noted as moot and unavailable for progressive discipline or future employment decisions. Reference each item by date and case number so that the request is documented item by item and there is no ambiguity about what you asked for.
Contact OCASA Before You Submit Anything
Before you send a request to Professional Standards, contact Dr. Anna D. Diaz in writing at drdiaz@myocasa.net. OCASA will review your file with you, help you determine which items qualify, and make sure your written notice is framed correctly. A request that is worded poorly can invite a response you did not want, and that is easier to prevent than to undo.
Your case information is shared only with the OCASA team members directly supporting your matter.
Contact Dr. Diaz at drdiaz@myocasa.net.
John Robert Miller, Professional Standards Advisor
Legal services provided by MT Legal Services