A few wild allegations surface against an Oklahoma City principal

Allegations of cheating and fraud have surfaced against the principal of Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, and a pretty wild paper trail has risen into the public realm, too.

And that’s got me wondering if any criminal complaints might appear in the future. I couldn’t help but notice the below document contains some poorly-constructed sentences. Hey, I’m no grammarian, but my gut says it leaves something to be desired, credibility-wise. My thought is take it with a grain of salt or leave it. We only have half of the story at this point.

Oklahoma City Public Schools announced today Principal Brian Staples has been placed on paid administrative leave after being accused of fixing grades and hiding absences.

An affidavit sheds more light on these accusations. The document and a few highlights are below.

This was the school district’s response today:

“A majority of the allegations were unfounded,” Deputy Superintendent Sandra Park said. “However we are continuing our investigation.”

Affidavit regarding Douglass High School principal Brian Staples

Brian Staples, principal at Douglass, at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Photo by Dawn Marks, The Oklahoman.

Paying for grades?
A 2011 Douglass grad said she never took an senior English class, but received a grade of C in that class. Additionally, the student says:

“Dr. Brian Staples suggested a student to take my Algebra Class on line for me. This was a difficult class for me. The Asst. Principal Ms. Cox called her into her office. I paid her $100 and $150 more after completion.”

Teacher attacked by students blamed for abusing students…after teacher complained to parents about lack of books for social studies

“In the month of August 2011, I was asked to meet with Principal Brian Staples of Doublass High School (Oklahoma City Public Schools). In this meeting Brian Staples accused me of unprofessional behavior at Open House the prior night. Indeed I spoke to parents that night about the lack of books for my Social Studies classes. More than 70 percent of my students were without books…”

Later…

“When I was physically attacked by students and defended myself to Dr. Staples and Mr. Karl Springer (OKC schools superintendent) accused me of abusing students.”

Missing money?

From a former assistant principal, Marcia Muhammad:
In March of 2009, Dr. Staples’ financial secretary embezzled over $12,00. Dr. Staples told the Board of Education that I was responsible becuase I her immediate supervision and knew about her embezzlement, this is not true. The FBI cleared me by administering a lie detector test. According to Ms. Edwards, the financial secretary, sent $12,000 to Dr. Staples and the amounts of each account she had taken money from.”