Brophy Principal: 'I Take Full Responsibility For My Error'

Brophy Elementary principal Frank Rothwell issued a memo to staff this morning stating he "deviated from MCAS testing protocol during a make-up test session in May."

The district investigated the incident, which took place exactly three weeks from today. Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott said "irregularities" are "unacceptable in the district.

"I take full responsibility for my error and want you to know that I would never intentionally compromise our school's results," wrote Rothwell. "I have learned from this incident and am committed to continuing our journey as a Brophy community."

A memo is expected to go home to parents today, too.

Framingham Patch was the first media outlet to report on the investigation.

This is the second MCAS irregularity reported at a Framingham elementary school since March.

Scott said based on the investigation he will make changes. He did not say if any individual would be disciplined.

Scott said testing procedures will be reviewed again with school principals and administrators.

According to the state, "testing irregularities are incidents that represent a deviation from prescribed testing procedures. Testing irregularities may include student impropriety, test violations, educator misconduct, or the mishandling of secure test materials."

On March 17, Framingham Patch was the first media outlet to report on a MCAS irregularity at Stapleton Elementary School.

Scott responded, at that time in March, "FPS district office reported concerns to DESE regarding a potential irregularity in MCAS administration at Stapleton ES which impacted the starting time of the test for 5th grade students. The district is conducting a full review of processes and procedures regarding MCAS testing requirements to ensure full compliance with DESE expectations."

Less than two weeks later, the Stapleton Elementary School Principal was placed on paid administrative leave. 

Two days, later the administration announced the principal resigns. A search is still ongoing for a new principal. No finalists have been publicly announced yet.