Analysis of the Clinton High School Grade Change Investigation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The investigation into the grade change at Clinton High School lasted for months. Anderson County Schools records now reveal more information about how the school system handled the scandal and how certain key people reacted.

In May, WVLT News reported that two teachers were fired after being accused of changing nearly 1,500 grades. From there, the situation escalated.

Previous reporting: Two Clinton High School teachers fired after changing nearly 1,500 grades, report says

So far, two teachers, the Clinton High School principal, several guidance counselors, and the school’s football coach and athletic director have left the school system. Some of these individuals have resigned, and others have been terminated (either through layoffs or non-renewal of their contracts).

During the scandal, the TSSAA also voided all of Clinton High School’s football victories because the school self-reported that it had used an ineligible player who had not earned the required six credits the previous year.

Previous reporting: TSSAA lifts disciplinary action against Clinton High School football program

This decision was later overturned after the administration learned that the student’s credits had merely been entered incorrectly and that this was more of an oversight than an intentional act.

Chronology of the investigation at Clinton High School

On Tuesday, the school system released an updated timeline highlighting each step of the system’s investigation.

In addition to releasing the timeline, the school system also issued a statement saying that the majority of teachers at Clinton High School were not involved in the grade-fixing scandal.

Importantly, this situation did not in any way affect all students, teachers, and other employees at CHS. As outlined and explained in this timeline and the firing allegations against Ms. Jones and Mr. Turpin, this situation primarily affected certain CHS students who were taking online courses and the employees tasked with overseeing and administering those courses. These employees failed – often intentionally – to comply with Tennessee Standards and Anderson County Board of Education policies/procedures.

After discovering these problems and how they likely arose, Anderson County School Board not only told TDOE what happened at CHS, but also what the school system will do in the future to ensure that nothing like this happens at any school. For example, in the 2024 school year, all students at CHS who were required to take EOC tests will have done so, and all corresponding scores will remain valid.

But it is simply unfair to associate all students, teachers, and other staff at CHS with this situation. The vast majority of CHS staff, for example, work hard every day to educate students diligently and professionally. These staff should be honored, not criticized.

The school system and local law enforcement said in their latest updates that their investigations are still ongoing.

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