Judge Says Teacher Should be Cleared

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An administrative law judge ruled Thursday that the state should drop a disciplinary case against a Palm Beach County teacher and coach who was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a soccer player. Judge Francine Ffolkes issued a 12-page recommended order calling for the dismissal of a complaint against Richard Woolcock, who was accused of misconduct in 2019. Woolcock was a teacher at Lake Worth Middle School and was accused by a then-16-year-old player on a travel soccer team that Woolcock coached.

The allegations included inappropriate touching in a bed at a hotel in Altamonte Springs, where the travel team had gone to play. Ffolkes pointed to “inconsistent statements” by the player, identified only by the initials M.B., and concluded that Woolcock “did not convince M.B. to share a bed with him” and “did not perform a lewd act on M.B.” The ruling said Woolcock was arrested but that criminal charges later were dismissed. Ffolkes also wrote that Woolcock has remained employed by the Palm Beach County School Board. The state has sought to revoke Woolcock’s educator certificate. Under administrative law, Ffolkes’ recommended order will go to the state Education Practices Commission for final action.