Beverly Hall Denies Wrongdoing In CRCT Scandal

ATLANTA,None — One day after Gov. Nathan Deal released results of a massive probe into alleged cheating on the CRCT within Atlanta Public Schools, former APS Superintendent Beverly Hall denied involvement.

"We reaffirm Dr. Hall’s position that she most definitely did not know of any widespread cheating on the CRCT in 2009 or any other year," a representative for Hall wrote in a statement on her behalf.

Read: Beverly Hall's Full Statement More: Investigation: Parks Middle Cheated The Most More: CRCT Report: Answers Changed At 'Erasure Parties' More: Principal Named In CRCT Probe Works At Charter School Atlanta Mayor Discusses Results Of State Probe State Lawmaker Drafts Legislation To Prevent Cheating Report: Teachers Were Threatened, Told To Keep Quiet

The 800-page report said that Hall knew about the cheating accusations on the CRCT and either ignored them or tried to hide them.

"There is no direct evidence in the entire 410-page narrative report or in the accompanying 400 pages of exhibits to show that Dr. Hall knew in 2009 that widespread cheating on the CRCT was occurring or had occurred," the statement read.

"Although the Investigators accuse Dr. Hall of failing to cooperate fully with their efforts, they do not cite anything that Dr. Hall herself did in that regard, nor do they cite evidence to show that any so-called “obstruction” resulted from any direction on her part. We deny that Dr. Hall has engaged in any intentional wrongdoing whatsoever," the statement read.

Several Channel 2 reporters went to Hall's home to get reaction to the report, but no one answered.

Deal said investigators also found that 178 teachers and principals cheated, and 82 of those confessed to misconduct.

According to the report, Parks Middle School had the most educators accused of cheating under the direction of then-Principal Christopher Waller.

An attorney representing several teachers accused of cheating at Finch Elementary School said the teachers flatly deny the claims in the report and accusations by the state investigators. Investigators who led the probe were appointed by former Gov. Sonny Perdue. Investigators found cheating in 44 of 56 schools they examined.

Attorney Gerald Griggs said he plans legal action to end the allegations leveled at his clients, teachers Sharona Thomas-Wilson, Tyrone Shorter and Joya Florence.

“It is our hope that the truth comes out and that the climate of fear and intimidation ends. My clients cooperated fully with the state investigators under my guidance and are shocked by the baseless allegations leveled without proof," said Griggs. The teachers plan to hold a news conference Friday.

WSBTV