Chaperones accused of drinking at prom for Prince George’s Co. school; principal placed on leave

HYATTSVILLE, Md. – Three administrators, including the principal, at a Prince George’s County high school are on administrative leave while the school looks into allegations that chaperones were drinking during the school’s prom.

Northwestern held its prom on May 18 at a brand new hotel across the street from the University of Maryland.

An emergency staff meeting was held at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville Wednesday afternoon where an announcement was made to staff about the administrators being placed on leave.

According to Prince George’s County Public Schools spokesperson John White, the school system is investigating a claim that school administrators, who should have been sober and chaperoning the event, were instead drinking at the hotel bar.

White confirmed that Northwestern High School principal Carlene Murray was placed on administrative leave along with assistant principals Christopher Burrows and Patricia Duffy.

White said Duffy and Burrows are accused of drinking while Murray was put on leave for her conduct related to the prom. However, she is not accused of drinking at the event.

FOX 5 reached out to all three administrators through email, but have not received a response as of Wednesday evening.

A source familiar with the administration at the school said Burrows and Duffy were placed on leave immediately after the prom and Murray was placed on leave on Monday.

Hyattsville police confirmed a school resource officer went to the hotel after the prom and obtained footage from surveillance cameras.

A teacher at the school, who asked to remain unidentified, was at Wednesday’s emergency meeting at the school. He said he was not at the prom, but the allegations did not surprise him.

“We have lots of evidence with film, witnesses and people who were there, so it is not surprising at all,” he said.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Via Fox5DC

Prince George’s County Candidates forum 2/23/2018

Shots Fired in PGCPS, 2 Schools Locked Down as Precaution

Two schools in Prince George’s County were locked down Thursday morning after shots were fired nearby. The incident did not involve students, Prince George’s County Police said.

No one was struck.

Police received a call for the report of shots fired near Oxon Hill High School. According to a preliminary investigation, police said an argument off school grounds led to shots being fired.

A suspect is in custody.

Oxon Hill High School and John Hanson Montessori were locked down as a precaution while authorities investigated, Prince George’s County said. Police said about 10:50 a.m. that the lockdown at Oxon Hill High School was being lifted.

Source: Shots Fired, No One Hurt in Oxon Hill; 2 Schools Locked Down as Precaution | NBC4 Washington http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Shots-Fired-Near-Oxon-Hill-High-School-No-One-Hurt-411876895.html#ixzz4WtLZH9fb

***

PG’s schools still lag as Baker ponders move to Annapolis

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III

By Deborah Simmons – The Washington Times –

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III is weighing another run for office. This time it’s the race for governor of Maryland.

Mr. Baker cannot seek re-election to his present post because of the county’s term limits. Indeed, he twice sought the county executive seat and twice lost to Jack Johnson.

In fact, Mr. Baker won the seat in 2010 only after Johnson became embroiled in — and later pleaded guilty to — public corruption charges.

Mr. Baker has pushed for the right to hold on to his current job. In 2014, the same year he won re-election, Prince George’s voters rejected a measure that would have allowed the county executive and council members to serve three four-year terms. It was the third time since the 1990s that voters maintained their hard line against expanding terms.

But once a politician always a politician.

Mr. Baker, a staunch Democrat, now says he and his family will consider a possible challenge to popular GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, telling The Washington Post this week that a decision won’t come until after the November presidential election. (He’s with Hillary, of course.)

“I don’t base [my decision] on what the political climate is,” Mr. Baker said. “It’s whether I think I can do a good job and whether it is right for me and my family at that time — and if I can get the things done that I want to do.”

Having also served nearly a decade in the Maryland House of Delegates beginning in 1994, it’s clear that Mr. Bakerlikes elective politics and politicking. What’s not so clear, however, is that Mr. Baker has a clear vision of the needs of public education in his county, which is in more turmoil now than during the fierce busing desegregation battles of the 1970s. And much of the tension stems from Mr. Baker’s move to take over administration of the troubled system and run it himself.

The school system leadership vacuum stems from the decision by the state to honor Mr. Baker’s request to take the reins a few years back. This year alone, parents, students and teachers have had to deal with child and sex abuse allegations, with some of those allegations involving the troubled Head Start program and special-needs students.

This week, another scandal broke in the news — a cover-up within the school hierarchy. The chief of staff of Mr. Baker’s handpicked superintendent was forced out this week.

The most pressing consideration here is timing. For one thing, there’s the tick-tick-tick of the term-limits clock. Then there’s this economic development project called MGM National Harbor that is expected to open in December. A monster gambling/hotel/entertainment/dining/retail venue, the MGM National Harbor will rival anything in the Washington region, and Mr. Baker has a lot riding personally on its success. When the doors open, you won’t have to gamble on whether Mr. Baker will be all grits and grins, since the project was snagged during his watch.

But one could still question whether his gubernatorial gambit is a distraction, political cover, so to speak. After all, public schooling has always been a key issue in Mr. Baker’s arsenal. He offers a taste of his pitch on his RushernBaker.com website: “His scholastic achievements represented a triumph over early struggles with reading, a success made possible by the tenacity and support of his family and teachers. Rushern, an active reader and accomplished lawyer, has remained a steadfast advocate of the importance of teachers and education throughout his career.”

Would candidate Baker — or Gov. Baker — remain such a steadfast advocate?

Maybe. Maybe not.

For sure, however, Mr. Baker needs to take a lead on the home front, where parents, and local and state leaders are questioning whether he has a firm grip on the education reins.

Prince George’s families and voters have a right to expect Mr. Baker will be their chief and primary advocate. Pronto.

Politics and politicking be damned.

• Deborah Simmons can be contacted at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.

Via washington times. 

• Sign the Petition here>>Petition to Investigate PGCPS Headstart Child Abuse Launched!
• Read more>>> BOE political cronyism-nepotism refresher
• Read more >>> It is time for Gov. Larry Hogan to step in and Help fix PGCPS.
• Read more >>>PGCPS parents demand changes ASAP at school board meeting.

***

Charges against PGCPS bus aide took too long, school union says

Michael Patopie, 38, of Capitol Heights has been charged with second-degree child abuse, sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault and other sex offenses,

PRINCE GEORGE’S CO., MD (WUSA9) – As prosecutors announced charges against a bus aide accused of sexual abuse, the union that once represented him says it took too long and concerns reported by another member were ignored.

“We’re being directed to report [abuse],” said Shirley Kirkland. “Once it’s reported it’s up to the peers to do what they’re supposed to do and that’s not happening.”

Kirkland is the President of the union that represents support professionals working for Prince George’s County Public Schools George’s, ACE-AFSCME Local 2250.

She says a now retired bus driver, reported Michael Patopie to her superiors in November of 2015, after witnessing inappropriate behaviors. The superiors, Kirkland says, ignored it.

“[The driver] made the report that she thought she saw this member or this gentleman inappropriately touching a student. She even let them know that she thought she saw him kiss the student on the temple,” Kirkland said.

“She did everything that she was supposed to do… She made the report and she reported it to her peers. It wasn’t taken seriously.”

Police arrested Patopie Tuesday morning and charged him with second degree child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and assault.

According to police, Patopie was caught on tape, inappropriately touching two students – a four year old and five year old – in November of 2015 and in May of 2016.

Kirkland says the arrest should’ve happened sooner, if the reports of the bus driver were taken seriously.

“It would’ve been earlier,” she said, “had it been addressed properly.”

Since, by her account, it wasn’t, Kirkland says it’s time for the person in charge of the school system to step aside.

When asked if CEO Kevin Maxwell should resign, Kirkland said, “yes. I do, and I’m saying that because there’s no way in the world these things should be taking place and you know nothing about it.”

In response to those calls, a spokesperson for Maxwell told WUSA9, Dr. Maxwell is “committed” to the school system.

“This work is personal to him: He was raised in Prince George’s County, began his career in education here and lives in this community,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. “Dr. Maxwell hopes to address the school system’s longstanding challenges through better collaboration and communication with all stakeholders.”

Maxwell has previously said he did not learn about the allegations against Patopie until August of this year.

In a statement today he said he is “sickened” by the allegations.

“I am horrified by the nature of these crimes, sickened and angry that this individual may have preyed upon our students. We will cooperate fully with our law enforcement partners to ensure that he is held accountable,” the statement said.

A spokesperson for the school system says they’ve begun the process of firing Patopie.

He is currently being held on $500,000 bond.

via wusa9

• Sign the Petition here>>Petition to Investigate PGCPS Headstart Child Abuse Launched!
• Read more>>> BOE political cronyism-nepotism refresher
• Read more >>> It is time for Gov. Larry Hogan to step in and Help fix PGCPS.
• Read more >>>PGCPS parents demand changes ASAP at school board meeting.

Shirley Kirkland (Seen here) is the President of the union that represents support professionals working for Prince George’s County Public Schools George’s, ACE-AFSCME Local 2250. – Kirkland when asked if CEO Kevin Maxwell should resign, Kirkland said, “yes. I do, and I’m saying that because there’s no way in the world these things should be taking place and you know nothing about it.”

Shirley Adams – A former President of ACE-AFSCME Local 2250 Union and Prince George’s County school bus driver told News4 she twice reported a school bus aide’s inappropriate behavior to her boss before telling Child Protective Services. County Bureau Chief Tracee Wilkins reported.

Chief Executive Officer Kevin Maxwell visits Suitland High school on Aug. 23, 2016. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

***

PGCPS School Bus Aide Accused of Molesting Students Charged

Michael Patopie, 38, of Capitol Heights has been charged with second-degree child abuse, sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault and other sex offenses,

A school bus aide has been charged following allegations he molested special education, pre-kindergarten children on a Prince George’s County school bus.

Michael Patopie, 38, of Capitol Heights has been charged with second-degree child abuse, sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault and other sex offenses, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office said.

• School Bus Driver Says She Reported Aide Accused of Abuse

Police say Patopis inappropriately touched two students while they were on the school bus in November 2015 and in May 2016.

A former Prince George’s County school bus driver told News4 she saw Patopie inappropriately touching the victims in November 2015 and reported it to her supervisors. Months later, she anonymously reported the incident to Child Protective Services (CPS).

CPS then alerted the parents of one of the victims, a 4-year-old boy with special needs. The victim’s parents were told bus cameras caught the abuse and they were shown enough video to identify their son, but they had not seen the alleged abuse.

The parents said they were told the same thing happened to another child on the bus. According the charging documents, the second victim is 5 years old and reported the alleged abuse to his mother.

The children involved have verbal delays and trouble communicating.

“My son might say one or two words, but he does not say sentences at all, and I saw something change, but I just didn’t think of that,” the mother of the 4 year old said.

The bus was carrying students from James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Clinton, Maryland. An unrelated investigation found students in the school’s Head Start program were forced to hold objects over their heads for a long time as punishment in June.

Prince George’s County Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which was reported to CPS May 24 and to police June 20. The boy reported more information to police in August, according to sources. The boy’s father said the incident happened in November.

PGCPS CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell said he didn’t find out until August, when school started.

“When I became aware of it, I had those folks placed on administrative leave,” he said. “I can’t act on what I don’t know.”

Many parents say they’re struggling to understand why the school district’s leader didn’t know about the allegations.

Prince George’s County Public Schools confirmed the aide and his supervisor are on administrative leave. Maxwell said the school system is “moving to immediately seek” Patopie’s termination.

“I am horrified by the nature of these crimes, sickened and angry that this individual may have preyed upon our students,” Maxwell said.

Patopie is being held at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections on a $500,000 bond.

Seven months ago, the community was horrified after learning a former teacher’s aide was reportedly sexually abusing students at another county school.

Source: School Bus Aide Accused of Molesting Prince George’s County Students Charged | NBC4 Washington http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/School-Bus-Aide-Accused-of-Molesting-Prince-Georges-County-Students-Charged-394949241.html#ixzz4LUcQLrCE

• >>>Sign the Petition here>>Petition to Investigate PGCPS Headstart Child Abuse Launched!
• Read more>>> BOE political cronyism-nepotism refresher
• Read more >>> It is time for Gov. Larry Hogan to step in and Help fix PGCPS.
• Read more >>>PGCPS parents demand changes ASAP at school board meeting.

***

PHOTOS: Protesters demand rules change, resignations at PGCPS.

During a protest Monday, Co-Chair of the group Citizens For An Elected Board, David Cahn (in front with white hat) said politics is being given priority over children. (WTOP/Kristi King)

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Fed up with recent scandals and repeated allegations of student abuse and neglect by employees of Prince George’s County schools, protesters Monday demanded new leadership and changes to how school officials are selected.

 Protesters want Maryland’s legislature to repeal a 2013 law that gave the Prince George’s county executive the power to appoint the county school board’s chair, vice chair and the school system’s CEO, among other positions.

The law is commonly referred to as HB 1107.

“We’ve got no accountability here,” said David Cahn, the co-chair of Citizens for an Elected Board. He pointed to the fact that the school board doesn’t control the CEO, Kevin Maxwell, who is appointed by County Executive Rushern Baker. And many members of the board are also appointed by Baker.

Protesters called for the resignations of Baker and Maxwell, as well as school board chair Segun C. Eubanks and vice chair Carolyn M. Boston.

About 20 protesters at the gathering included school board member Edward Burroughs III (District 8), Democratic Central Committee Assistant Secretary Belinda Queen-Howard (District 25), as well as parents and members of the public.

“HB 1107 needs to be repealed,” said the father of a four-year-old special needs student who is part of an ongoing investigation involving allegations of student abuse by a school bus aide. WTOP is not using the father’s name to protect his child’s identity.

“Now (power) is just handed to one person because of this law,” he said. “So, we need to repeal that law and put it the hands of the board so they can do votes and change the system, so it’ll be a better place for kids.”

https://twitter.com/kingWTOP/status/780479151136346112

 The recent cases of abuse and neglect should not be confused with how school leaders are chosen in the county, a spokesman for Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker told WTOP.

Scott Peterson said in a statement that the 2013 governance changes have helped pave the way for recent successes including historic highs in graduation rates and a top ten statewide ranking in English and language arts scores.

Read Peterson’s entire statement to WTOP below:

“We should always applaud citizens who come together and exercise their right to assemble and express their concerns about an issue that impacts our County.

When HB 1107 was passed in 2013, it was designed to create a governance structure that would better position Prince George’s County Public Schools to be more successful academically and operationally, and ultimately to move us from the bottom to the top in the state’s school system rankings.

Three and a half years later, we have

•  Significantly expanded full-day pre-kindergarten (we’ve increased this important first phase of education for our youngest students from 8 programs to 50 pre-kindergarten programs),
• Implemented more rigorous academic standards and programs, and provided more choice for students and parents, throughout all grades,
• Achieved historic highs in graduation rates (close to 80% of our students are graduating) and 9th grade promotion rates (which means that fewer of our students are dropping out),
• Improved test scores significantly (our students ranked in the Top 10 of statewide English and Language Arts scores),
• Increased enrollment in our schools substantially (130,000 students are now attending), and the overall college and career readiness of our children is improving as well.

The recent cases of deplorable behavior by some school employees are extremely disturbing, but we should not confuse these incidents with the governance changes that have paved the way for our success over the last few years. These challenges are a reflection of an organization that is going through a much needed cultural change after an inordinate number of leadership and policy changes that may have blurred our primary focus on the safety of our children. This is a defining moment for our school system and just as we focused like a laser on reforming our academic programs and offerings, we must approach the safety of our children with the same unwavering focus and vigor.

The achievements of PGCPS over the last three years cannot be overlooked. We must keep marching forward and build on our academic successes by creating an attitude and culture in our schools where everyone, from the bus driver to the principal, is focused on sustaining an absolutely safe and nurturing learning environment for all students.”

via WTOP

• >>>Sign the Petition here>>Petition to Investigate PGCPS Headstart Child Abuse Launched!
• Read more>>> BOE political cronyism-nepotism refresher
• Read more >>> It is time for Gov. Larry Hogan to step in and Help fix PGCPS.
• Read more >>>PGCPS parents demand changes ASAP at school board meeting.

 Below is a session of the event in pictures.

During a protest Monday, Co-Chair of the group Citizens For An Elected Board, David Cahn (in front with white hat) said politics is being given priority over children. (WTOP/Kristi King)

***