The decision to fire former Atlanta principal Tonya Saunders was upheld by a tribunal of educators Thursday, after the principal was accused of instructing teachers to cheat on 2009 state exams.
Saunders, who led Toomer Elementary, told teachers to have students recheck incorrect answers, according to a 2011 state investigation. She also told teachers to look ahead in the exam booklet to make sure they taught all the material on the test, investigators alleged.
Saunders denied any wrongdoing. She was on medical leave when the 2009 exam was given. Her attorney, Michael Kramer, said she fully cooperated with the investigation and passed a polygraph test when questioned about cheating.
“This decision is extremely disappointing,” he said in an e-mail Thursday. “[It’s] an extreme punishment for being a principal at a school identified in the governor’s investigation.”
Atlanta Public Schools has been working to sever ties with approximately 180 educators accused of cheating. Most resigned or retired from the district, while others have challenged efforts to fire them by requesting a hearing in front of a tribunal. Former Superintendent Beverly Hall retired in June 2011. Deputy Superintendent Kathy Augustine left the district for a job in Texas.
The Fulton County district attorney’s office has an ongoing investigation into the alleged misconduct.
Next, the school board will vote whether to accept the tribunal’s decision in Saunders’ case.
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