Firings possible in Waterbury test cheating probe

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) - Waterbury's school superintendent has launched an effort to fire an elementary school principal and reading teacher in connection with an alleged test cheating scandal.

The investigation finds Principal Maria Moulthrop and reading teacher Margaret Perugini were ringleaders in the test tampering.

Parents have no problems with plans to fire the principal and teacher connected to the cheating scandal at Waterbury's Hopeville School.

"Definitely the principal was very involved, definitely the teacher that was mainly involved, definitely," says Melanie Modeen, parent.

"Well if there is proof she is cheating, yeah I think they should," says Javier Martinez, parent.

A state investigation found irregularities in the school's scores on the State Mastery Tests, there were major improvements, and in some cases, scoring top in Connecticut.

Fifteen other teachers are also identified as being involved, but so far only  Moulthrop and Perugini are targeted for termination.

"As tough as it is to terminate a tenured educational professional, in this case it is justified to do that," says Mayor Michael Jarjura who is also on the Board of Education.

Staff identified as being involved with the test tampering are on paid leave, meaning substitute teaches are in the classroom.

the fill in principal says parents are apprehensive, but students are adjusting.

"They have questions and concerns, but so far things are running pretty smoothly," says Tom Pannone, fill in principal.

The state Education Commissioner can also take action by revoking the licenses of all the teachers connected to the tampering, but it's unclear if that will happen.