Altered Attendance Records Lands School In Hot Water

An assistant superintendent and high school principal have been suspended in the Fort Worth school district.  Chuck Boyd and Neta Alexander are at the center of a probe into altered  attendance records at Arlington Heights High School.  Allegations are  the  records were changed to boost academic ratings.   Larry Shaw with the United Educators Association says earlier the school district reassigned the assistant principal who reported the allegations. Shaw says such records tampering is more common than most people realize, not only in Fort Worth schools but elsewhere.  Fort Worth school superintendent Melody Johnson pledges a diligent and unbiased investigation.  The TEA is also investigating.

Fort Worth ISD news release:

District Investigates Arlington Heights High School Allegations

Fort Worth, Texas - The Fort Worth ISD administration is involved in an ongoing, rigorous investigation of allegations regarding Arlington Heights High School.  This investigation includes:

·        Allegations that unexcused absences were changed to excused absences

·        Allegations that students present in the school building were not engaged in instructional activity

·        Allegations that 21 students who graduated in June may not have met the attendance requirements for awarding credit

However, as of this writing, we have found no evidence that children absent from school were listed as present. Additionally, there are factual errors and unsubstantiated allegations in recent news accounts about this investigation.

"This investigation is continuing in a diligent and unbiased manner," said Superintendent Melody Johnson. "We very much regret that we are unable to discuss this, as we are bound by legal and ethical requirements since this issue remains entwined in an active grievance."

The grievance process is designed to protect the rights of any individual who registers a complaint against the District.  The District intends to abide by those processes, procedures, and laws accordingly.

In the best interest of the District, some employees have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Terri Mossige, currently principal of the newly established Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TABS,) will move to Paschal High School as principal. Dr. Sharon Meng, Assistant Superintendent for Advanced, Accelerated and Innovative Learning, will continue to provide direct support and leadership as the TABS and TABS Prep programs are launched.

This investigation has been drawn out because during the summer months personnel are off contract and/or on vacation.  As in any investigation, it is incumbent upon the District to ensure that conclusions are not based on allegations but on proven facts; particularly when the lives and careers of people lie in the balance.

"As superintendent, I only request that public judgments be withheld prior to the completion of all investigations of the facts and allow due process to prevail for all individuals involved," said Dr. Johnson.