In a surprising twist, a student-run newspaper has taken on the role of investigative journalist, exposing discrepancies in the background of their newly appointed principal, leading to her swift resignation. The students of the Pittsburg High Press, the student newspaper for Pittsburg High School in southeastern Kansas, unearthed some eyebrow-raising details about Amy Johnson, who was hired as principal on March 6.
While initially embarking on a routine story, the team of six students dug deeper and discovered that Johnson’s claims about her educational credentials were far from accurate. Their first red flag? Corllins University, where she asserted she earned her master’s and doctorate degrees, didn’t even have a working website. A private university with no online presence? That’s a head-scratcher. Upon further investigation, the team found that Corllins is widely regarded as a “diploma mill,” a place where degrees can be purchased without any real academic rigor. Notably, it lacks accreditation from the Department of Education and has no verifiable physical address.
“She was supposed to lead our school, and we wanted to confirm she had the qualifications to do so,” remarked senior Lisa Tran, speaking to The Kansas City Star.
When confronted about her credentials, Johnson insisted via email that the current status of Corllins University was irrelevant because her degrees were authenticated by the U.S. government. However, when asked to provide a transcript from Tulsa University, where she claimed to have completed her undergraduate studies, she was unable to do so. That evening, she resigned.
This remarkable feat required immense dedication and bravery from the student journalists, who went beyond simple online searches. They spent weeks reaching out to schools and accreditation bodies, piecing together the puzzle. “People kept telling them to back off,” said their advisor, Sarah Black. It’s no small feat for high schoolers to challenge their principal and school board, especially when the stakes were this high. “At first, it was thrilling, but then it hit me how serious it had become,” shared student reporter Jack Miller with The Washington Post.
Interestingly, Johnson also claimed to hold a teaching degree from Cambridge University in England—a claim that seems dubious at best.
The students had the guidance of Eric Thompson, director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, along with other journalists. Black had to step back from the investigation since she was part of the hiring committee for Johnson but expressed immense pride in her students. “They couldn’t believe that something so apparent to them had gone unnoticed by adults,” she stated.
In a refreshing turn of events, the superintendent and school administrators supported the students, despite the embarrassing oversight in hiring. “As superintendent, I feel I let down the teachers and students. I take full responsibility,” said Superintendent Mark Davis to The Star.
When it comes to hiring principals, families expect diligence in ensuring that every detail is verified. The thought of someone possibly lacking a bachelor’s degree—or even lying about such credentials—being entrusted with our children’s education is alarming. The students of the Pittsburg High Press have shown that asking questions and seeking truth can lead to significant change, reminding us all to stay vigilant.
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In summary, student journalists at Pittsburg High School bravely exposed their principal’s fraudulent claims, leading to her resignation. Their investigative efforts serve as a testament to the importance of accountability in educational leadership.