The Camden School District has agreed to pay $860,000 to the former principal of Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School to settle allegations that he was fired as a result of reporting the district’s efforts to fraudulently improve test results.

Mr. Carruth became principal of Brimm at the start of the 2004-2005 school year.  In January 2005, Mr. Carruth alleges that he was pressured by the Assistant Superintendent to alter the results of the upcoming High School Proficiency Exam.  According to Mr. Carruth, he refused but Brimm’s test results soared to 92% proficiency among 8th graders.  After the state re-administered the test to students itself the following year, results dropped down to 75%.

An internal investigation showed that the individual in charge of testing for the district, Roger Robinson, had altered the results of the first test.  Although Robinson was initially suspended without pay, the board reinstated him later that year after a district-hired investigator supposedly found Mr. Carruth’s allegations to be untrue.  Mr. Carruth was fired later that school year.  In 2006, however, state officials concluded that the test results had been altered.

The district has continued to deny the allegations but will pay Mr. Carruth $860,000.  According to some sources, the district is also considering reinstating Mr. Carruth.

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