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UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is calling for a "complete, thorough, and exhaustive investigation" into allegations of fraud and corruption in Prince George's County Schools.
On Sunday, Gov. Hogan sent a letter to the president of the Maryland State Board of Education saying he is "deeply troubled by these allegations regarding one of our school systems, which have now been brought to my attention by multiple sources."
FOX 5 was first to report on allegations of grade changing and manipulation of student records to boost the graduation rate in Prince George's County schools.
Four school board members sent a letter to Gov. Hogan requesting a state investigation into what they called widespread, systemic corruption.
Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell had denied the claims, calling them politically motivated.
"There has been no systemic effort ordered by me or others working on my behalf to promote students in order to inflate graduation rates," Maxwell said at Thursday's school board meeting.
Gov. Hogan also wrote a letter to the four board members letting them know he has requested a state investigation.
"I am also mindful of your statement that many individuals took risks in bringing this information to your attention. We believe these individuals are entitled to the full protections afforded whistleblowers under the law. Thank you for bringing these important concerns to my attention," Hogan wrote.
In a statement, Dr. Maxwell responded to the governor's call for an investigation:
"From the beginning, I have maintained that politics lie at the root of these accusations. There has been no systemic effort to promote students in Prince George's County Public Schools who did not meet state graduation requirements in order to inflate our graduation rates. We look forward to collaborating with the Maryland State Department of Education to resolve this matter."
Governor Hogan's letter to the Maryland State Board of Education President (app users: Click here to read)
Governor Hogan's letter to members of the Prince George's County School Board (app users: Click here to read)