Staffers Removed At PG County High School Over Grade Fixing

CORRECTION: This article originally incorrectly stated that the staffers in question were fired. They were only removed, and the article's headline and body have been updated to reflect that.

LANHAM, MD -- Prince George's County Schools CEO Kevin Maxwell announced in a letter that he is making big changes at DuVal High School in Lanham after a grade-fixing scandal, including personnel changes. A total of five staffers were removed, including the principal, according to a Washington Post report.

After investigators found grading and graduation certificate violations at the school, PG County opted to remove some of the staffers on Monday afternoon, Maxwell said in the letter.

"An investigation by the Prince George’s County Board of Education’s Office of Internal Audit and the recent State performance audit of grading and graduation rates corroborate evidence that some DuVal High School staff made inappropriate decisions to impact the grading and graduation certification processes," the letter states. "The system will keep parents informed as it implements a process for improvement at your school."

John Brooks will remain as acting principal through the end of the 2017-18 school year. The county does not expect to make any additional staff changes at this time, Maxwell wrote.

"DuVal High School has great teachers and students, and an engaged community," he added. "These changes, though necessary, do not diminish the accomplishments of our students and the goals we set as a system. Together, we will continue working to improve educational outcomes for all children."

Image via Prince George's County Public Schools