The School District, and Superintendent Malcolm Thomas personally, were notified of teachers being pressured to change the grades of seniors so the students would graduate.
A pastor also hand-delivered a packet of evidence to the school district. It included information about the grade tampering and other improprieties.
Students sent Thomas an email with supporting documentation that alleged their SGA funds had gone missing.
These things happened in May 2014. These facts are indisputable. Phone records, emails and interviews support them.
What we don’t have is any proof that Thomas did anything to put a hold on Newpoint High’s 2014 graduation to provide time to investigate these allegations.
The teachers, students and parents have no indication that Thomas did anything about Newpoint before the 2014 graduation. The district investigator did not show up to the school and question teachers. The school board was not informed. Newpoint received an A grade and opened for another school year.
The school district received more complaints this past winter. School officials looked at Newpoint again – on grade tampering, harassment, unqualified teachers, safety and an illegal after-school program. The district investigator wasn’t allowed to question teachers. According to the records, the district staff was told to shut down the investigation in January and February.
In March, Gov. Rick Scott gave Newpoint checks for its “stellar performance” during the 2013-14 school year. That triggered whistleblowers coming forward from inside the school and the district. They worried a fraud was being perpetrated and the superintendent was allowing it to happened.
They reached out to School Board member Jeff Bergosh – who went to the State Attorney’s Office.
Superintendent Thomas should have gone to the State Attorney’s Office last May.
When he learned a teacher had been assaulted, he should have gone to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
When he learned students were being harassed by teacher, he should have reported it to the Department of Children & Families.
The school board was never informed –instead was led to believe the school was a model charter school.
Thomas should have let the proper authorities determine if the allegations were true. He should have informed the board members.
The superintendent has said that he is limited in what he can do with a charter. However, if he has reason to believe crimes are being committed and children are in danger, he has an obligation and duty to report those allegations to the proper authorities and step aside.
Read “Malcolm’s Latest Headache.”
