T.H. v. State, 797 So. 2d 1291

GROSS, J.

We affirm appellant’s conviction for battery on a school board employee. § 784.081(3), Fla. Stat. (2000).

We reverse the conviction for knowingly disrupting or interfering with the lawful administration or functions of an educational institution. § 877.13(l)(a), Fla. Stat. (2000). The statute seeks to prohibit acts which are “specifically and intentionally designed to stop or temporarily impede the progress of any normal school function or activity occurring on the school’s property.” M.C. v.. State, 695 So.2d 477, 483 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997).

Appellant got into a fight with another student on a high school campus at 7:00 a.m., before school began. The fight was over a girl. The fuel for the fight was jealousy. There was no evidence of knowing or intentional conduct designed to disrupt a school function or activity. Also, no school function or activity was taking place at the time and location of the fight. Unlike A.C. v. State, 479 So.2d 297 (Fla. 3d DCA 1985), appellant did not pick a fight with students waiting to go home on the school bus; transportation of students to and from school is clearly part of the administration of an educational institution under section 877.13(1). See id. at 298.

We remand for the trial court to enter a new disposition order reflecting only the battery conviction.

KLEIN and SHAHOOD, JJ., concur.

Case Details

Case Name: T.H. v. State

Court Name: District Court of Appeal of Florida

Date Published: Oct 31, 2001

Citations: 797 So. 2d 1291; 2001 Fla. App. LEXIS 15289; No. 4D01-837

Docket Number: No. 4D01-837

Court Abbreviation: Fla. Dist. Ct. App.