ALBANY, GA -
The Dougherty County School Board is meeting to talk about the future of cheating educators. 49 teachers and principals were named in a state cheating investigation, and the superintendent asked them to resign.
Superintendent Dr. Joshua Murfree briefed the board on their status, and it's very possible they will accept some resignations.
In the report, state investigators found dozens of educators in 11 schools either cheated or failed to prevent cheating on state standardized tests in 2009. Board member Carol Tharin says board members have an incredible opportunity to get this right, and while they want to deal with it swiftly, the board shouldn't make hasty decisions.
State investigators say they found "disgraceful" conduct, and that 49 educators in 11 schools either cheated or failed to prevent cheating on state standardized tests in 2009.
School board member Carol Tharin says the board and administration must move quickly in handling the problem.
Board Member Darrel Ealum expected the board would take action tonight and accept resignations.
"It's very possible that several of the key folks that have been alleged to have done wrong here, they very well may resign and if they resign, we would just have to accept their resignation," said School Board Member Darrel Ealum.
Ealum says Dr. Murfree wanted to provide the board the information they needed to make their decisions before classes resume tomorrow.
"In my opinion I think the community is expecting us to take action, they're not wanting us to delay in relation to the allegations in this report. I think it's important that we assure the community that we are deeply concerned, and we are going to take action and I think that it's important that we take action before school takes in after the holidays."
It's like that most of those named as cheaters won't be allowed back in the classroom, which will me a lot of substitutes. We hope to learn more about how the school will handle the situation as this meeting wraps up.
District Attorney Greg Edwards he's requested the evidence from state investigators to determine if criminal charges will apply to those named in the report.
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Board Member Darrel Ealum expected the board would take action tonight and accept resignations.
Concerned citizens, and some named in the report, wait in the hallway after the board went into executive session
