Doug Murray Resigns After Investigation Proves Grade Tampering
Chardon High School Principal Doug Murray submitted his resignation Feb. 9 after an internal investigation showed he violated policies and procedures by altering student academic records.
Chardon High School Principal Doug Murray submitted his resignation Feb. 9 after an internal investigation showed he violated policies and procedures by altering student academic records.
In a letter sent to students and parents Feb. 12, Chardon Schools Superintendent Michael Hanlon said Murray notified the district he would resign, effective immediately, for “personal reasons that require his complete focus.”
“I know that reading these words may cause a well of emotions, questions and uneasiness,” Murray wrote in a note attached to Hanlon’s letter. “Please know that it is not my intention to cause these emotions and I will hold you all in my heart as you process this communication. Dr. Hanlon has been an extraordinary mentor to me throughout this time and he will continue to lead you and this district throughout this transition. Right now, I am asking for privacy for my family.”
Reached by phone, Hanlon said he could assure the public Murray’s reasons for stepping down did not involve a student safety issue.
Instead, according to a document obtained through a public records request, Murray was the subject of an internal investigation undertaken by the district last month.
“(T)he district completed a timely internal investigation and determined Mr. Murray violated board of education policy, district procedure and likely the educator licensure code on at least two occasions by altering student academic records resulting in potential gain for the students involved as a result of the record modifications,” the document said.
The document also shows Murray resigned “under threat of termination or non-renewal” and “because of, or in the course of, an investigation regarding an act unbecoming the teaching profession or an offense described in (state law).”
Murray has one daughter who is a junior at CHS and another who graduated in 2023 and served as student council president.
Murray did not respond to a request for comment Feb. 12.
Hanlon said the district is working to cover Murray’s role internally with support from current administrators. The search for a permanent replacement will be a long-term project.
Murray was named CHS assistant principal in 2013 and became principal in 2016 after the departure of previous Principal Andy Fetchik for Mentor Schools.
“Mr. Murray served as an effective principal in the building for more than a decade,” Hanlon said in his letter. “During his tenure, he was responsible for moving the school and district forward, establishing new programs and developing growth opportunities for students and staff.”
Murray expressed his heartfelt love, appreciation and care for Chardon staff, students, families and friends in his letter.
“I was welcomed from the very start of my journey and we have transcended so many shared experiences together,” he said. “I have been reflecting a lot lately on this journey and how I am being called to serve, lead and grow. I will forever be grateful for all the great relationships, innovative programs and growth we have made as a school.
“Furthermore, I value every relationship that I made over the eleven years that I have been able to serve my alma mater,” Murray added. “I wish for the continued success and growth of the students, staff and greater school community.”
