11 Garinger graduates didn't meet requirements; principal resigns | Schools

EAST CHARLOTTE (WBTV) - Diplomas were given to 11 students at Garinger’s leadership school – including the valedictorian – when in fact, they had not met the requirements to graduate, school officials confirmed Friday.

The principal of the school, who earns $75,317 yearly, has resigned and the 11 students are heading to summer school to actually graduate, officials said.

The problem happened while the Garinger counseling job was empty, officials told WBTV. A main-office worker was sent in to confirm eligibility for graduation and determined the 11 students did not meet requirements, the official told WBTV.

The school was notified by the main office, but the students themselves and the families were not notified, officials said.

The students received diplomas at a ceremony on June 14. Now, the families and students have been told and they are attending summer school to receive credits to receive diplomas.

On Tuesday, the principal, Rashada Simmons-Tedder, resigned, officials said. According to the Charlotte Observer school salary database, Simmons-Tedder earns $75,317 per year.

The Garinger Leadership and Public Service School had 69 graduates this year and is one of 5 schools on the Garinger campus.