The troubled DeWitt Clinton High School, considered one of the worst-performing schools in the New York City public school system, is now left without its principal amid accusations he fixed grades, according to reports.
Santiago Taveras was removed as principal of the once-famed school early this week. The New York Times reported Taveras was removed after an internal investigation by the New York City Department of Education found he changed grades on student transcripts while threatening to remove an assistant principal in keeping it quiet by giving the principal a poor rating. Accusations Taveras altered grades was first reported by the New York Post more exactly one year ago, and disputed by school staffers.
Taveras, who recently made local headlines for jump-starting an initiative that would see Clinton high school students complete their schooling in four years, became school principal in 2013 after spending several years as a DOE deputy chancellor assigned to close failing schools.
The news further stains a school that’s seen prominent students such as comic book icon Stan Lee, retiring Congressman Charles Rangel, and designer Ralph Lauren. In the last decade the school has fallen into academic despair. A review of the DOE’s High School directory and High School Progress Report, results shows the graduation rate at DeWitt Clinton High School at 45 percent, significantly lower than the average 69 percent citywide.
The DOE is reportedly seeking a replacement.
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Very sad,
Marc Gross DWC ’65
How sad to remove a true educator that deeply cares about his students. I find it very hard to believe Santi would ever do anything illegal. I worked both for and with him as an administrator in the NYCDOE, Santi is the most decent person I worked with in my 25 year career.
Brian Rosenbloom
Retired NYC Principal
So are you suggesting Santi was framed. Is this based on your knowledge of the workings of the NYCDOE?