The teachers claim Staples tampered with students' grades and altered attendance records in an effort to have the high school rank better in the district.OKLAHOMA CITY -
New
developments in the federal investigation of Oklahoma City's Douglass High School.
The
allegations against the principal at Douglass began three years ago, but in
recent months a group of former teachers began protesting outside of the high
school, calling for Principal Brian Staples job, willing to share their
complaints with anyone who will listen.
News 9 did,
and now so are federal investigators.
The
teachers claim Staples tampered with students' grades and altered attendance
records in an effort to have the high school rank better in the district. Oklahoma
City Public Schools began investigating the complaints after receiving several
affidavits from former students and teachers.
10/3/2012
Related Story: U.S. Department Of Education To Investigate Alleged Grades Tampering
At Douglass HS
In the
affidavits News 9 found allegations from witnesses who claim the principal
changed "D"s and "F"s to "C"s so students could
pass classes or become eligible to play sports for Douglass High's athletic
programs.
There are
also claims he told teachers to ignore tardies and report only absences and
that Staples later altered the attendance records.
Another
affidavit indicates that Staples advised a student to pay someone else to
complete algebra work so the student would pass.
The
district investigation is still ongoing. At the same time, federal agents are
looking into the claims and interviewing several witnesses found in the
affidavits.
The
district says Brian Staples will not give a comment to the allegation and he is
still in his role as principal despite the investigations.
