Montgomery School Board Hires Former FBI Agent

The Investigator Will Look Into Allegations of Grade Changing

Colorful Chalk at Chalkboard ca. 2001

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By Lisa Blackwell

Story Created: Oct 9, 2012 at 5:24 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 9, 2012 at 5:42 PM CDT

The Montgomery County School Board decides today to hire an independent investigator to look into allegations of grade changing.

The decision comes as the investigation into accusations of wrongdoing widens.

The board unanimously approved the hiring of retired FBI agent John Mulligan from Prattville.

They say they want a thorough investigation and are concerned the school system's reputation is on the line.

If you're a teacher want to make sure I want you to feel confident that you're professional and you do a good job that that's not being questioned.

It's concerns like those of board member Melissa Snowden's that prompted school officials to hire an investigator with experience in white collar crime.

Superintendent Barbara Thompson says Mulligan has no connections with anyone on the board.

"He has a reputation of being a fair tough investigator, someone that we did not know, he came highly recommended," said Thompson.

Mulligan is expected to start as soon as possible. School Board attorney Spud Seale says he will be given full access to school records and personnel.

"We've not given him any direction, we told him we want the good the bad the ugly, he will determine process and we will give him the credentials he needs," said Seale.

Meanwhile school board president Charlotte Meadows asked Alabama Attorney General's office to investigate as well. Meadows says she did it on her own and not as a member of the board.

"I asked them specifically, if we hired a private investigator and in conjunction with the state department, if that would in anyway conflict with their investigation, the attorney I spoke to assured me it would not," said Meadows.

Thompson also asked the state board of education to investigate this matter.

State Superintendent Tommy Bice is putting together an investigative team which could be announced in the next couple of days.

Mulligan will be paid eighty dollars per hour plus expenses up to a maximum of ten thousand dollars for his services.

 

 
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