KRUM — An independent report commissioned by Krum ISD has found no evidence of unfair grading practices, a controversy that has divided a small town.
This fall, accusations flew around Krum that some students related to administrators were getting an unfair grading advantage, jumping ahead in class rankings. A popular vice principal at Krum High School reportedly raised concerns about the grading practices, and some community members believe he was forced out of his job as a result.
The district has said it cannot comment on personnel matters, but they did hire an independent attorney to look into the claims of grade and class rank discrepancies. Wednesday night, the school board meeting was full of parents and community members who waited hours to hear those findings.
Attorney Arik Stock said he found no credible evidence that there were any inappropriate changes to grades or class ranks. He said there was no evidence of nepotism. Stock did say, though, that rumors and misinformation spread through the community via social media.
"Social media was used in ways that were not productive or truthful," Stock said. "You're either going to have to trust the district and the school board as your representatives, or you're not going to."
In a statement read aloud at the meeting, the school board president said the board accepts the report and hopes the community will, too. However, some community members present at the meeting said they don't have faith in the attorney's credentials or his findings.
"We do have an issue here," said Ron Harris, the mayor of Krum and a parent to students in the district. "I think the school board and the administration really have to take a moment and step back and take a look at things, so our kids and community can move forward from this."