San Marcos Principal Admits To Changing Final Grades

By, Holly Ratcliff

San Marcos High School has been involved in an ongoing investigation after a high school principal admitted to having changed students’ grades over the past two years.

Principal Kelli Lopez’s resignation on September 28 was marked by an investigation into a grade-fixing scandal. Lopez told the board of trustees that she had altered more than 100 students’ final grades.  

Recently, Superintendent Michael Cardona discovered other San Marcos CISD employees had also changed grades during Lopez’s employment, but cannot confirm to what degree these occurrences are related.

Although there is evidence that Lopez may have directed others to change grades, no one related to these occurrences will be disciplined. Cardona reported one additional staff member has since resigned, but that this resignation was for personal reasons.

Exposing these fraudulent grading practices may cause problems for current students applying for college scholarships as class rankings are called into question. Despite SMCISD’s updates, parents are left to wonder how this situation will ultimately affect their student’s academic status.

The trustee’s original announcement reassured parents and students that Cardona would investigate the matter and disclose his findings. As of October 17, Cardona has stated that he will be enlisting an Austin law firm to review the scandal in depth by interviewing staff and teachers. They will also evaluate student records and the system by which they are managed.

Lopez had encouraged administrators to alter 156 end-of-course grades for 133 students. This occurred in various courses. Class grades were often increased from 69 to 70, ensuring students would pass and earn credit toward their graduation requirements.

Before Lopez was principal, San Marcos High School had a lower graduation rate than the state average but had been meeting state standards each year.

After Lopez was reported to the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education discipline unit began reviewing her case. If sanctions are enforced, Lopez could lose her certifications.