The Texas Education Agency examines over 200 teachers over fear that they may have received fraudulent certifications via a cheat of $ 1 million that is alleged to involve three independent school district educators in Houston.

The three alleged ring leaders, who are all facing criminal charges, are Booker T. Washington High School Basket coach Vincent Grayson, Jack Yates High School Assistant Principal Lashonda Roberts and Booker T. Washington Assistant Principal Nicholas Newton.

Newsweek Contacted the Texas Education Agency and Newton via E -Post, together with Grayson and Roberts with LinkedIn Message, on Friday outside regular office hours.

Why that means something

If the charges are correct, more than 200 people could have been involved in teaching Texas without holding the necessary qualifications, a major crime in protection and basic educational standards.

It comes as Texas national lawyer Ken Paxton have Ordered an investigation In two school districts in response to charges, their employees gave advice on circumventing state law on participation of transgender people in girls’ sport.

What you should know

In October 2024, prosecutors in Texas announced that the accused five people, including three Houston Independent School District (HISD) employees, over an alleged system to falsely accredit teachers in the state that they claimed had collected just over $ 1 million.

According to Harris County District Atorney Kim OGG, at least 200 teachers were false certified as part of conspiracy, via over 400 fraudulent tests, with the schedule that goes back to at least May 2020. OGG added that two of those who received fraudulent qualifications were later found to be Sexual predator.

This week, the Texas Education Agency said it expanded its investigation to include another 60 teachers spread over 33 school districts that may have received qualifications through the system.

Three HISD employees were identified as leaders of the program, called Grayson, Roberts and Newton. All three are facing two bills to conduct organized criminal activities. Their bonds were initially set at $ 300,000, $ 200,000 and $ 200,000 respectively, although Graysons was later reduced to $ 100,000 and Roberts’ to $ 50,000.

According to Houston Chronicle, In December, about 100 teachers had their qualifications marked as an ongoing review, with the affected spread over 59 school districts.

What people say

In a statement released in December, Here said: “HISD has a rigorous strategy for recruiting, hiring, educating and supporting teachers so that all our students receive the education they deserve. It is a pity that a small handful of individuals, by HISD’s more than ten thousand dedicated teachers, alleged Tried to cheat the system and Houston’s students.

In October, Texas Education Agency Said: “In accordance with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules, tea will review all information shared by law enforcement and conduct appropriate measures against all educators involved in this system.”

What happens next

The Texas Education Agency will continue to investigate how many teachers may have obtained fraudulent qualifications in the state, with those who are likely to meet disciplinary procedures and possible legal consequences.

At the same time, criminal cases against the five alleged leaders, including three HISD employees, will continue through the bills.