Spring ISD meeting tries to sort transcript issues

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- Spring Independent School District Superintendent issued a public apology during a meeting with students and parents, calling the district's recent student transcript troubles 'gross negligence' on the part of past administrators.

More than 100 parents attended a special meeting Monday night at DeKaney High School. The parents attended to learn more about the issues and ask questions to the Superintendent Rodney Watson.

"I understand mistakes, but this is too big of a mistake," said LaSonya Sammons. "I meet with these people every quarter to make sure my baby is on target."

Sammons addressed Watson during the public meeting. She told him his apology was not enough, and she was "coming after jobs." Sammons said her daughter was told she would have to make up several credits before she could graduate in May.

"Obviously you're not hiring the right people, and yet we are being held liable for it and it's not right," said high school senior Ariana Cruz.

According to the district, about one-third of high school seniors at three high schools will have to make up credits. Thousands of others have some sort of issue with their transcripts.

"The scholarships are first come, first serve. And those scholarships were gone," said one parent who did not want to be identified.

That parent said his son missed out on a $6,000 a year scholarship because of a transcript issue. The parent said his son's application was delayed for weeks. He's not sure how his son will pay for college now.

"Stuff like this will make them feel like what's the use. And all they will get is an apology," said Sammons.

The transcript troubles are now being investigated by the Texas Education Agency.

Parents who attend the meeting were allowed to visit with counselors in the cafeteria to work out any transcript issues. Some some students were being offered Internet, night or weekend classes to make up the credits. The superintendent urged those counselors to help everyone get back on track. Watson said he's upset and angry about the problem he inherited.

Another meeting is scheduled for Spring ISD juniors at 6:30pm Thursday.