Jefferson Parish Schools officials have uncovered records fraud at Helen Cox High that impacted five members of the graduating Class of 2019. The school’s principal and three administrators have been placed on administrative leave.
The district has been in contact with all impacted families and students. Since our discovery, all five students have successfully completed a proficiency exam in the coursework, giving the district the confidence to certify their diplomas. A certified teacher administered the proficiency exams to the students.
JP Schools officials have self-reported this information to the Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. The district is also working to establish additional safeguards to ensure students are on track to graduate. Grade change reports and student records audits will be conducted across the district starting in 2019-20.
“We are sorry that this happened to our families. Our system is only as strong as our academic integrity, and we have little tolerance for these types of actions,” said JP Schools Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Improving student outcomes is our top priority, and that can only be accomplished in an environment of trust, honesty, and respect among our students, families, and educators.”
Jefferson Parish Schools officials have named Brandon Van Vleck the acting principal of Helen Cox High. Van Vleck was an assistant principal at Helen Cox High.
“Our first priority is to our students and families,” said JP Schools Chief of Schools Dr. James Gray. “The actions that took place at Helen Cox High do not speak for what we stand for here in Jefferson Parish Schools. We’re building a culture where people feel safe coming forward any time they see someone doing wrong by kids.”
During the internal investigation, the district also discovered that excused absences had not been submitted for 24 students. Those students had successfully completed all coursework and state assessments. The district contacted those families to secure documentation for any excused absences. Documentation has been secured for 22 students. Students who cannot provide documentation of excused absences will be given the opportunity to make-up seat time to validate their diploma.
Helen Cox High is located at 2200 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey. The enrollment at Helen Cox High for 2018-19 was 1074. There were 276 students in the Helen Cox High Class of 2019.