Earlier this year the Maryland State Department of Education conducted an investigation into the graduation rates of PG County students after a letter was written to Governor Larry Hogan. The letter was written by teachers and community members.
“Earlier this school year, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), at the direction of the U.S. Department of Education, conducted an inquiry into our graduation rates in the wake of an anonymous complaint that alleged the Chief Executive Officer had “forced educators to change the grades of ninth and twelfth grade students in order to boost promotion and graduation rates.”
On Monday, Dr. Kevin Maxwell, CEO of PGCPS, wrote an open letter against the allegations:
Much to our anger and extreme disappointment, and that of a majority of the Board of Education, a handful of Prince George’s County Public Schools community members have made baseless accusations about our high school graduation rates. Over the last few years, we have worked diligently to raise standards and expectations for our students while implementing multiple supports to keep them on the road to a diploma. Allegations that we systemically engaged in unethical practices are false, play to the worst suspicions about our school system, and disparage all of us.
Earlier this school year, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), at the direction of the U.S. Department of Education, conducted an inquiry into our graduation rates in the wake of an anonymous complaint that alleged the Chief Executive Officer had “forced educators to change the grades of ninth and twelfth grade students in order to boost promotion and graduation rates.” Nothing could be further than the truth. The MSDE investigation drew the same conclusion. As stated in the report, the investigation determined “there was not anything done to indicate grades had been manipulated nor that bullying had been used to ensure more students were being promoted or graduated.” Click here to download the full report.
As PGCPS leaders, our goal is to hold students accountable to the same standards and expectations found in other school districts while providing them with the same supports. Without question, our goal of outstanding academic achievement for all carries the minimum expectation that our high school diplomas reflect rigor and relevance. Through coordinated goals and appropriate supports as early as elementary school, more students are meeting our standards and achieving their dreams.
While there may be valid concerns about our practices, processes, and policies, that conversation should seek to uplift students instead of advancing personal or political agendas.
We are proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. We greatly appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell
Chief Executive Officer
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Dr. Segun C. Eubanks
Chair
Prince George’s County Board of Education