Manassas City Public Schools has confirmed that Jennie Dean Elementary Principal Robin Toogood has resigned after the school division confronted him for faking his credentials.
According to MCPS, Dr. Steven Staples, State Superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education, contacted the school division regarding information he had received alleging that “Dr.” Robin Toogood, principal since 2009, may have altered his academic credentials.
“An investigation was immediately commenced by MCPS staff,” said Al Radford, Public Communication Coordinator for the school division, “confirming that several of his credentials were indeed fictitious.”
These falsified credentials included false undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees from various universities. In one case, he possessed a degree, but not in the specified field; in another, he spent just one year at the university. In the case of his doctorate, he never even attended the school he named, Andover Theological Seminary.
After Toogood was presented with the results of the investigation on June 27, he resigned from his position as principal and surrendered his Virginia teaching license.
MCPS confirmed that due to this incident they have made changes in their hiring practices.
“As a result of the incident, the MCPS Human Resource Department will no longer rely solely on the Virginia Department of Education to validate transcripts for licensing purposes,” Radford said.
As of July 1, the MCPS began using a clearinghouse to verify the authenticity of the transcripts for all new employees. Additionally, Radford said MCPS has also begun the process of verifying the transcripts of all the current licensed employees. Director of Human Resources Billie Kay Wingfield is leading the effort.
“Toogood was hired under a previous administration,” said Radford, “but records indicate that an application, resume, references and transcripts were collected and that references were also contacted by phone.”
Toogood began his employment with MCPS on July 1 after working with public charter schools in the District of Columbia, and a Maryland school from 2002 to 2009 as a teacher and an administrator.
Currently, Dr. Zella Jones is serving as acting principal for Jennie Dean. She previously served as assistant principal at the school during the 2013-14 school year.
Toogood was known by students and teachers as “Dr. Toogood.” Foxdc.com reported he was well-liked and respected in the community and considered a successful principal, having increased student attendance.
Toogood also serves as pastor of the Purity Baptist Church and Urban Center in Washington. He told Fox reporters that the most difficult part would not be losing his job but confessing to his congregation.
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