HISD expands grade-changing investigation after new report

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Anabel Rodriguez is the mother of tenth grader. She said she doesn't understand how this could happen.

"I think students come here to learn," she told Eyewitness News. "And I think with everything they're learning, it should be honest."

Her son, Ananes Vazques said, if true, it's wrong.

"You're going to school to learn," he said. "So if you're not putting in the work and you're getting a failing grade, then you should be failing. They shouldn't pass you for no reason."

Reagan now joins Westbury High School as those under suspicion of changing grades for low-performing students. At Westbury, the district found the administration directed the alteration of grades for 26 students. The principal has since been reassigned to an administrative, non-classroom job off the school campus.

The students affected will not receive credit for the courses. Instead, the district told Eyewitness News they are working with certified tutors and are participating in after-school and weekend tutorials to make up the work.

As for Reagan High School, the district issued a written statement to Eyewitness News: "The HISD Office of Internal Audit has expanded the scope of its current investigation to include Reagan High School after receiving an anonymous, non-specific tip. We can't comment further until the investigation is complete."

But teacher's union president Gayle Fallon thinks the two schools are tip of the proverbial iceberg.

"I get emails from teachers on a daily basis saying our school too," she said."It's become pretty widespread. It's pretty hard to tell how many schools."

In fact, she says the district is currently investigating a complaint from a teacher at Pershing Middle School that she was told to change grades. That complaint is still under review.

The Texas Education Agency is also aware of the allegations within HISD. A spokesperson said Tuesday they have not opened an investigation into any school but they are reviewing a complaint against Westbury High School. They have not received a formal complaint against Reagan High School.