According to reports, a Queens principal who allegedly committed fraud in order to increase his school’s graduation rates will remain on the payroll and will receive a $1.8million position.
According to a settlement of misconduct allegations, Khurshid Abdul Mutakabbir, who was fired as Maspeth High School principal last July, will not return to any city schools as a principal. He can still be on the Department of Education [DOE] payroll until seven more years.
Abdul-Mutakabbir’s supervision, Maspeth HS set up fake classes, gave credits to students who failed, and fixed grades in order to push children out of the school, according to the Special Commissioner for Investigation for city schools. This was confirmed by The Post.
Maspeth High School’s website states that its mission is to help students develop into strong characters and critical thinkers.
Officials from DOE settled the charges in January with a $12,000 fine. However, he will continue to work until November 2029 in an office.
The Post reported that he will be paid his $187,043 annual wage, union-negotiated raises, vacations and holidays as well as health and retirement benefits. This totals nearly $78,558 per year.
Breitbart News reported that Maspeth High School teachers stated there was an unwritten policy of “no fail” which prohibited them from failing students. This resulted in a 98% graduation rate. In 2018, it was awarded a National Blue Ribbon.
Breitbart News noted that “A Blue Ribbon” is the highest honor the federal government gives to schools.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program website, each year the agency seeks and celebrates “schools that demonstrate that all students can reach high levels.”