Brooklyn principal to be removed after grade fixing probe

July 9, 2015 By Michael Balsamo Associated Press

Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina. Eagle file photo by Mary Frost

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A public high school principal is being removed from her post after a 17-month probe into allegations of grade fixing.

The city’s Department of Education will replace Kathleen Elvin as principal of John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said Wednesday.

Investigators launched a probe in April 2014 after they received an anonymous complaint against Elvin. As the inquiry expanded, they learned the school was running programs for students to gain credits required to graduate after failing other classes.

Accusations that some students were given credit for courses they did not take also arose.

An assistant principal said in an interview with investigators that the classes were “interdisciplinary courses,” in which students could attend one class but receive credit for two or more.

Elvin later “confirmed that students were not required to attend class or receive instruction in order to receive credit,” according to an investigator’s report released Wednesday. However, she told investigators she never specifically authorized students being given credit based solely on their attendance.

Farina said the investigation “shows there was a failure to follow the DOE’s protocol.”

“We have begun the process to have Ms. Elvin’s employment terminated, and she will be removed from payroll shortly,” Farina said. “Ensuring every New York City student is meeting the high-quality standards necessary to graduate is imperative and we are retraining principals across the city to ensure these standards are upheld.”

Other accusations made against Elvin, including claims that she told teachers to change grades and have an 85 percent pass rate, were found to be unsubstantiated. She did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Wednesday.

City investigators also recommended disciplinary action against two assistant principals at the school.