BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Public Schools has reached a settlement regarding a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a parent who accused the district of misconduct in managing student attendance and grades.
Jovani Patterson claimed that the school system engaged in unlawful practices by adjusting student attendance and grades to secure additional funding.
The legal proceedings involved extensive litigation and the review of thousands of documents during the discovery phase. A judge previously declined to accept certain evidence, including a report from the State Inspector General, which revealed that the school district modified 12,552 student grades from failing to passing between 2016 and 2020.
Ultimately, both parties agreed to a settlement, with the school system firmly denying the allegations. As part of the agreement, the district will finance randomized audits over the next three years, specifically targeting changes in student grades.
Each year, three schools will be subject to inspection, with up to 300 grades reviewed. This audit process was influenced by a similar investigation in 2019 that contributed to Patterson's lawsuit.
The settlement also mandates increased transparency and public access to information regarding student attendance and enrollment figures.
Following the announcement of the settlement, Patterson emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, stating, "When we know better, we do better. Fighting for our city, our communities, our children is always worth it, even if the results aren't immediately felt."
Recent data from the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment indicates that Baltimore City students recorded the lowest proficiency rates in math and English Language Arts in the state, with scores of 10.2% and 27.7%, respectively.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News Baltimore (source).
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