Former Principal's Resume Questioned Two Years Ago

Questioned were raised two years ago regarding Robin Toogood’s resume. The former Manassas principal resigned this summer amid questions about several false claims he allegedly made on his resume.

But an official with Arlington Public Schools alerted Manassas City Public School in May 2012 that discrepancies were alleged in Toogood’s resume, according to media reports, including The Washington Post. But Toogood continued on as principal at Jennie Dean Elementary School for another two years.

Manassas administrators didn’t look into Toogood’s record until state Education Superintendent Steven Staples contacted the Manassas school administrators this June regarding allegations. Then, MCPS officials say they confirmed several of his credentials were fictitious.

Confronted with the results of the investigation June 27, Toogood resigned and surrendered his Virginia license, according to MCPS.

It was parents of an Arlington Montessori school who first raised questions regarding Toogood’s resume after he was hired by Arlington Public Schools. Toogood swiftly withdrew his acceptance once the district began asking questions, according to the Post.

Manassas Superintendent Catherine Magouyrk, hired in July 2012, told the Post that she didn’t know about the allegations against Toogood until this summer.

Toogood’s resume included fabricated degrees from Trinity Washington University and Regent University, as well as University of Maryland-Baltimore, which he attended but never graduated, according to FOX5.

The MCPS has installed an acting principal, Dr. Zella Jones, to prepare the school for the fall.

MCPS administrators have also contracted with a clearinghouse to verify transcripts of new employees — they had previously depended solely on state licensing validation. Radford notes that the district also is in the process of reviewing the credentials of existing staff.

Photo: Manassas City Public Schools