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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County

Florida seeks sanctions against Pine View teacher Liz Ballard that could cost her license

Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Politics

The Florida Department of Education is pursuing disciplinary action against 20-year teaching veteran Liz Ballard, alleging she discriminated against a student over his political views and recommending sanctions ranging from a reprimand to revoking her license. Education Commissioner Henry Mack outlined the allegations in an Oct. 22 letter, citing seven incidents over two school years involving two brothers at Pine View. Ballard has 21 days to dispute the complaint, request a hearing, negotiate a settlement, or surrender her license.

EducationState GovernmentTeacher DisciplineSchool Boards
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Why It Matters

A tenured teacher faces potential loss of her education license following state-level disciplinary proceedings stemming from classroom discussions on controversial topics.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRon DeSantis“Recommended Henry Mack for commissioner and appointed Lon Deckard to a board of ”OrganizationDepartment of Education“Pursuing disciplinary action and recommending sanctions against Liz Ballard”PersonHenry Mack“Sent an Oct. 22 letter to Ballard outlining disciplinary charges and recommended”PersonLon Deckard“Appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota ”PersonChloe Nelson“Co-author of the report”OrganizationSuncoast Searchlight“Original publisher of the investigative report”OrganizationState College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota District Board of Trustees“Lon Deckard was appointed to this board by Gov. Ron DeSantis”PersonStephen Covert“Told district HR investigators that the incidents in dispute didn't warrant a la”PersonAndrew Tate“Social media influencer whose mention prompted teacher-student communication”OrganizationThe Daily Sun“Reviewed the Oct. 22 letter sent to Liz Ballard”OrganizationSarasota County Schools“Investigated teacher Liz Ballard over complaints from parents”locationPine View“School where Liz Ballard taught history and where the students attended”PersonJames Uthmeier“Accused a Pine View history teacher of labeling a student a misogynist”PersonAlice Herman“Co-author of the report”PersonLiz Ballard“20-year teaching veteran investigated over allegations of political discriminati”