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A teacher certification scandal involving hundreds of teachers taking false examinations has been uncovered in the Houston area, according to a statement by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. The scheme, which dates back to May 2020, involved teachers paying for false certifications, leading to unqualified teachers working in local school districts.
Five individuals, including two assistant principals and a high school basketball coach from the Houston Independent School District (HISD), have been charged in connection with the scandal. The alleged ringleader, a basketball coach at Booker T. Washington High School, is believed to have made about $1 million from the scheme, charging $2,500 per certificate.
According to Ogg, the extent of the scheme is still unknown, but it is believed that at least 400 tests have been faked, leading to the false certification of at least 200 teachers.
"The extent of this scheme will never be fully known, but we know that at least 400 tests were taken and at least 200 teachers falsely certified," Ogg said.
The HISD was reportedly unaware of the scheme until just before the arrests were made. All employees involved were immediately placed on leave. The district has pledged to cooperate fully with the Texas Education Agency and state and local law enforcement as the investigation progresses.
The Harris County District Attorney's office is urging anyone with information about these certifications to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.