Southwest Ohio schools chief fired over data-rigging

Superintendent has been an educator for 38 years

7/17/2013

LOCKLAND, Ohio  — A former school superintendent has been fired after nearly four decades as an educator in the Cincinnati suburb of Lockland.

Donna Hubbard had been placed on unpaid leave last year after allegations surfaced that Lockland was among several schools in Ohio that rigged attendance information to improve academic performance ratings. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the board voted Monday night to terminate her contract, saying she had seriously damaged the school district’s reputation and credibility.

The Ohio Department of Education concluded that student attendance and enrollment data was manipulated, and lowered Lockland’s ratings.

The district had already replaced her, but she had been fighting to keep her job. Hubbard’s attorney had no comment on the board action, but has indicated she might take her case to court.