A recent investigation by a student-run newspaper has resulted in the resignation of a newly appointed principal at a high school in southeastern Kansas. The Booster Redux, the student newspaper for Pittsburg High School, embarked on an inquiry into the credentials of Amy Roberston shortly after she was hired on March 6th. The students discovered significant inconsistencies in her claimed educational background.
During their research, the team found issues surrounding Corllins University, the institution from which Roberston alleged she obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees. Upon attempting to access the university’s website, the students found it non-functional. Further investigation revealed that Corllins is widely regarded as a “diploma mill,” lacking accreditation from both the Department of Education and the Better Business Bureau, and it does not have a verifiable physical address.
Senior student Trina Paul expressed her concerns about the principal’s qualifications, stating, “She was going to be the head of our school, and we wanted to be assured that she was qualified and had the proper credentials.” When contacted by a local news outlet, Robertson dismissed the relevance of Corllins’ current status, asserting that her degrees had been authenticated by the U.S. government.
An emergency faculty meeting prompted Roberston to provide a transcript from Tulsa University, where she claimed to have completed her undergraduate studies. Unable to present such documentation, she resigned that same evening.
This investigation required considerable dedication and bravery from the six students involved, who not only conducted online searches but also reached out to various educational institutions and accreditation bodies over several weeks. The newspaper’s advisor, Olivia Carter, noted the challenges the students faced, including pushback from those in authority who advised them against pursuing the matter. “Many kept telling them to stop poking their nose where it doesn’t belong,” she recounted.
Robertson also claimed to hold a teaching degree from Cambridge University, but doubts remain about the legitimacy of this assertion. The students received guidance from Eric Thomas, executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, while Carter had to recuse herself from the investigation due to her prior involvement in hiring Robertson. She expressed immense pride in her students’ efforts, highlighting their ability to uncover what adults failed to notice.
Despite the embarrassment this incident caused, the school superintendent and other administrators supported the student investigation. Superintendent Kyle Adams acknowledged his responsibility in the oversight, admitting, “I feel like I let the teachers and the students down.”
The expectation for thorough vetting when hiring educational leaders is paramount, as families entrust schools with their children’s education and safety. The notion that a principal could lack the necessary qualifications is concerning. The students of the Booster Redux should be commended for their diligence and commitment to transparency.
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In summary, the dedication of the student journalists led to the discovery of significant misrepresentations by their principal, resulting in her resignation. Their investigative efforts not only shed light on an important issue but also emphasized the role of youth in holding educational authorities accountable.
Keyphrase: Student Newspaper Investigates Principal’s Credentials
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