Alleged Test Score Manipulation Scheme in a School District

Case Overview

This intriguing case involves a former Superintendent of Education who courageously exposed a conspiracy within the school district. The alleged scheme involved board members and teachers manipulating test scores to secure accreditation. After reporting these findings to the state, they were subsequently verified, lending credibility to the superintendent's claims.

However, it is alleged that the school district and school board violated standard procedures during their activities and retaliated against the superintendent following the investigation. An expert witness specializing in primary school administration was sought to review the case and provide an opinion on liability.

Questions to the Education Administration expert and their responses

Can you describe your professional background in school administration, specifically as a superintendent?

I have nearly four decades of experience in education at various levels. My career includes 13 years as a classroom teacher and coach, three years as an assistant principal, five years as a school principal, and over 18 years as a school superintendent.

What are the proper procedures for a school board and district to follow when cheating accreditation scores are reported?

Elected school board members are typically responsible for overseeing a school district's finances, policy, and supervision of the superintendent. They should never be involved in the daily operations of the school district. Handling allegations of cheating or testing impropriety falls under the purview of the superintendent.

About the expert

This expert boasts 40 years of experience in education, with a significant portion of over 25 years dedicated to school administration. They hold an EdD in Educational Leadership from a renowned university and have served in various roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent at different educational levels. Currently, they are the senior director of educator preparation at a state department of education, further solidifying their extensive expertise in the field.

E-645387

Specialties:

Education Administration

Zach Barreto is a distinguished professional in the legal industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Research at the Expert Institute. With a deep understanding of a broad range of legal practice areas, Zach's expertise encompasses personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, defective products, and many other sectors. His skills are particularly evident in handling complex litigation matters, including high-profile cases like the Opioids litigation, NFL Concussion Litigation, California Wildfires, 3M earplugs, Elmiron, Transvaginal Mesh, NFL Concussion Litigation, Roundup, Camp Lejeune, Hernia Mesh, IVC filters, Paraquat, Paragard, Talcum Powder, Zantac, and many others.

Under his leadership, the Expert Institute’s research team has expanded impressively from a single member to a robust team of 100 professionals over the last decade. This growth reflects his ability to navigate the intricate and demanding landscape of legal research and expert recruitment effectively. Zach has been instrumental in working on nationally significant litigation matters, including cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, toxic chemical exposure, and wrongful death, among others.

At the Expert Institute, Zach is responsible for managing all aspects of the research department and developing strategic institutional relationships. He plays a key role in equipping attorneys for success through expert consulting, case management, strategic research, and expert due diligence provided by the Institute’s cloud-based legal services platform, Expert iQ.

Educationally, Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and European History from Vanderbilt University.