Teachers in cheating scandal return to work

Waterbury, Conn. (WTNH) - Some of the Waterbury teachers who were suspended in a cheating scandal are back on the job today.

There was a lot of excitement at Hopeville Elementary School when a few of the suspected teachers returned to work. Some parents were not so excited, while others were more forgiving.

Just minutes after one mother dropped her kindergarten son off at his brand new school, she thought, "Wow, these teachers seem really happy."

"They were just hugging and greeting each other like they were just back from vacation," she said.

She had no idea teachers were back from a suspension in August after being caught in a massive cheating scandal with the Connecticut Mastery Test. Twelve teachers were implicated. Now, school officials and the Waterbury Teacher's Association agreed the punishment will include giving up 20 days pay over the school year and they must serve 25 hours of community service tutoring students. Read the story here.

Superintendent David Snead asked the Education Commissioner not to revoke their credentials.

Paula Faria says her son has gone to Hopeville for a few years. "I didn't feel comfortable, they had to take the test over," she said.

She just wants this cheating scandal dropped, so the focus can be on the kids.

"I found it hard to believe, because they've been so great. I love the teachers and my son is happy they're back today," Faria said.

Belinda Toney, another new parent to this school, shook her head in disgust.

"You don't think they should be back?" "Not at all. That's not fair to the kids," Toney said.

School administrators say that the punishment has been served and they just want to move forward.