ATLANTA,None — Atlanta Schools Superintendent Errol Davis says the process that allows educators accused of cheating to be fully paid while their case works its way through the system needs to be changed.
Davis made his remarks just hours after the State Professional Standards Commission heard its first cases against some of the educators implicated in the massive Atlanta schools test cheating scandal.
The commission revoked the certifications of three administrators Thursday and imposed two-year sentences on eight teachers. These are the first 11 cases heard by the PSC, but there are more than 180 cases to go.
"No matter what your thoughts are on state's testing, nothing gives one the right to cheat," said the PCS's Kelly Henson.
Davis said it's a bit frustrating for the district because the PCS's investigation and any criminal investigation being conducted by the district attorney's office come first. Only after they are completed can the school district take action to fire the accused cheaters.
"If they accept the sanctions then we will move immediately against them," Davis said.
Davis said the district is currently paying around 120 accused educators who are not working. The district has banned them from any classroom work while the investigations are underway.
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If found innocent of the charges, Davis said the educators will be immediately restored to their positions.
Davis spoke to Channel 2's Tony Thomas at Maynard Jackson High School on Thursday evening. Davis was meeting with dozens of parents concerning the district's special education programs.
As she entered the meeting, parent Pamela Kipreos was upbeat about the day's actions.
"It's a good first step. Now we need to make sure it doesn't happen again," Kipreos said.
The process has a long way to go. The state PSC plans to hear all 200 cases by January, but appeals could take years.
"This process clearly should be modified. I don't think people should be paid ad infinitum while they exercise their due process rights," Davis said.
But for many parents, the process is fine as long as their children are protected.
"As long as those people aren't in the classrooms during the appeals, I don't care how long it takes," Kipreos said.
WSBTV
