L.I. Principal Says He Was Fired For Not Helping To Change Student's Grade
BELLPORT, NY (WCBS 880) -- A former Long Island high school principal claims he was fired after he refused to help change a student athlete's grade.
LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports
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Kevin O'Connell said he was handed termination papers after he refused to pressure a teacher at Bellport High School into changing a star football player's algebra grade so the student would qualify for a full scholarship to Syracuse University.
O'Connell said in the end, he was let go from his job and the student received a bumped-up grade. "The part that is frustrating is that the school has alot of potential but is suffering unfortunately," he said.
O'Connell filed an intent to sue the school district and is looking for the $51,000 he lost because he was let go.
The South Country School District said they are reviewing academic practices at the school. They also said they looked into the star football player's grades and said they we done correctly.
Because of pending litigation, they would not discuss the case with O'Connell.
