A recent investigation by a student newspaper has resulted in the resignation of a newly appointed principal due to discrepancies in her claimed qualifications. The team behind the Pittsburg High School Paper in southeastern Kansas uncovered serious inconsistencies in the credentials of Amy Roberston, who was hired on March 6.
The student journalists began their inquiry when they discovered that Corllins University, where Roberston alleged she earned her master’s and doctorate degrees, had a non-functional website—an unusual situation for any institution of higher education. A group of six determined students delved deeper into the matter, only to find that Corllins is widely recognized as a “diploma mill,” a place where degrees can be purchased without proper accreditation.
Senior student Jordan Ellis expressed concerns over the principal’s qualifications, stating, “We needed to ensure that our school was being led by someone who truly had the right credentials.” In fact, Corllins is not recognized by the Department of Education or the Better Business Bureau, and it lacks a physical address. When approached for clarification, Roberston defended her degrees, claiming they were authenticated by the U.S. government and dismissing student concerns as unfounded.
An urgent faculty meeting was convened, where Roberston was asked to provide a transcript from Tulsa University, where she purportedly completed her undergraduate studies. Unable to do so, she resigned later that same day.
This investigation required significant effort and bravery from the students involved. They did not merely rely on online searches; rather, they spent weeks communicating with various educational institutions and accreditation bodies to piece together the truth. “We faced a lot of pushback, with some telling us to stop getting involved,” noted advisor Lisa Turner. Connor Balthazor, one of the student journalists, reflected on the gravity of the situation, saying, “At first, it felt thrilling, but then it dawned on me how serious this was.”
Additionally, Roberston had also claimed to possess a teaching degree from Cambridge University, a claim that seems dubious at best. The students received guidance from Eric Thomas, the executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, as well as other seasoned journalists. Turner had to step away from the investigation due to her involvement in the hiring process but expressed immense pride in her students’ initiative: “They uncovered what many adults failed to notice.”
The school’s superintendent and other administrators supported the students throughout the investigation, acknowledging the oversight in hiring Roberston. Superintendent Mark Thompson admitted, “I feel like I let the entire school community down, and I accept responsibility for that.”
As parents, we expect thorough vetting of candidates for school leadership positions. The fact that someone without verified credentials could be appointed as principal raises legitimate concerns about student safety and education quality. Kudos to the students at the Pittsburg High School Paper for stepping up and ensuring accountability in their school. Their diligence serves as a reminder of the importance of asking the right questions and seeking the truth.
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In summary, a student-led investigation uncovered significant misrepresentation by a new principal, leading to her resignation. The students’ commitment to uncovering the truth highlights the vital role of accountability in educational leadership.