It is difficult to teach children lessons in honesty when the leader of their school cheats. Robert Lucy must have known better than to tell staff at Orono Middle School, as a state investigation asserts, to let some students change or add to their standardized test answers in 2011. As principal, it was his job to know.
We understand there is pressure on students and administrators to do well on the New England Common Assessment Program test; the public image of the school is at stake. But there is no excuse for lying about students’ true scores. Doing so is an insult to those students and to schools across the state that both administer tests correctly and improve their scores through hard work.
According to a Maine Department of Education assessment investigation, documentation “offers incontrovertible evidence that some students revisited the NECAP test after the time permitted.” The report includes statements from Orono school employees who said Lucy asked them to let special education students fill in blank answers or expand on written test segments in October 2011. The department investigated the test scores of six students, of whom five had disabilities.
Lucy was hired in May as assistant superintendent of the Bangor School Department. Superintendent Betsy Webb said she did not know of the department’s report before hiring him, and he has since been placed on administrative leave while the district completes an investigation of its own.
Meanwhile, there is no way to confirm whether the state education department’s certification office is conducting an investigation to determine whether Lucy’s certification should be revoked or suspended. The first investigation — which aimed to determine whether “testing irregularity” occurred in order to correct testing data — concluded that the certification office should look into the matter. But whether another probe is being conducted is not public information.
The department can comment only when someone’s certification is revoked, suspended or surrendered, and so far Lucy’s certification remains valid.
It’s up to district and state officials to hold Lucy accountable, just as a teacher or principal would hold a cheating student accountable. According to rule chapters for the Department of Education, teachers or administrators can lose their certification due to “negligent or fraudulent completion or filing of any school reports required pursuant to the provisions of state or federal law or regulation.”
Other grounds for revocation or suspension include “conduct evidencing a clear and substantial lack of knowledge, ability, or fitness to perform the services rendered within the scope of the certificate.” General eligibility for certification requires “a strong professional ethic.”
The public puts its trust in principals to care for students and be their role models. Schools must be able to trust one another to play by the rules if they are to be judged against one another. Changing students’ test scores is only a reflection of Lucy’s lack of belief in his school and his ability to help improve it. Lying about scores cannot be tolerated. State and local leaders need to show they agree.
He used to be football coach @ Orono…back when players could skip tests and be ‘regraded’ in order to be able to play in the big game.
Winning by any means necessary is not winning. He is a nice guy…at least I always knew him to be.
Seems like he has had unethical actions for some time.
There may be no excuse and I agree with that. But that does not mean he will not try to find one to rationalize his actions.
What was in the Orono high water between 1968 and 1978? This is the third Alum from that era to be involved in serious scandal. All public sector positions by the way.
I know people who were in the Orono schools during this time. The jocks were bullies (calling a girl who was taller than other students “Hulk” repeatedly among other things) and disgusting (one masturbated in the back of a police cruiser after being arrested). I guess the jocks thought they were entitled beyond reproach.
Didn’t have a chance to comment on the original article so I’ll ask now. His motives may have been suspect but I’m curious about a apparent dual standards in testing students with learning disabilities. Although it seems to not be permitted for these tests, permission for extended time for such students can be given for AP tests. I have no information, but that may app to SAT and ACT tests also. Any more info on these matters?
Students in special education can have extra time as an accommodation; as much time they need during the testing time framework which is most of a week. They can have all the time they want during the testing days. What Lucy did was after the testing was done he looked over the test booklets in his office and decided to push staff to redo the test after the test time frame had passed. This is not allowed.
Thanks for the clarification. He was totally unethical.
‘redo’ huh, not what the facts say. but then again is anything based on the facts? nah, just personal opinion.
It was stated that the test administrator has noted she was told by Lucy to have students redo the test after testing dates were over which is not allowed. Everybody who works in a school knows this is not allowed. Directions given for the tests are very clear.
former Principal Lucy was known to be very difficult to deal with for the parents of mentally and emotionally changed students. Ask any of them–off the record–and see why none has any sympathy for him. Far from it. He may finally get his comuppance.
I think its disgusting that this man would require kids with disabilities to cheat, rather than find ways to educate them. There’s no room in Bangor for this guy or his thought process.
with a depression rate of 1/5 in the state of maine… im sure he has noooooo one in his family with a mental and emotion issue. c’mon.
He fits in well in the Bangor School system.. Betsy Webb has control of the BDN now and can take off comments.
Don’t tell anyone, but Betsy Webb is in control of aliens that have been living inside Paul Bunyan for years. SSSSHHHHH….She has super powers…..
I don’t believe that about her. Next you will be saying she can get people away with murder.
Bangor ommitted their knowledge on this matter. Like they hide the sexual assults that accur in the Schools every year. does it have anything to do with the story, Yes it does. it helps determine the character of those in charge, and if this story about Lucy had not come up in the paper, they would never kept it hidden. Fire them all.
Again, more sillyhyperbolic conspiracy theories with no basis in reality. Unreal.
There’s a bigger story here. How deep does this go around the state? One can only imagine the pressure on some of these Superintendents, principals and teachers to score well on these tests.I would think that 99% of school system employees play by the rules. I’d be surprised if this dog is barking alone.
There was a teacher in Newport last year who was caught teaching to the test. When the story got out, he quickly resigned. I think that is what will happen in this situation.
oh bobby, you really screwed the pooch on this one:)
It’s all about ethics and apparently, Mr. Lucy lacks ethics in certain situations. He should be suspended until such time as it is apparent he has learned his lesson. He certainly is not a bad man but had an ethical lapse that should never have happened and now must face the consequences.
He has a long history of being unethical. When he was in school and how he bullied people he thought were less than him. Come on Orono people tell your stories about you in high school and how he thought he was so much better and bullied you.
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Karma is real!
this comment has nooooo ground to stand on.. oh wait… nope, no ground.
Look at the comment above yours, yup someone else knows.
This guy has no scruples. What else has he done? He only cares about himself and standing.
I believe an issue to be considered here is that many former coaches who are now administrators have a philosophy of “winning at any cost”. Several of these types of administrators do not have the intellect to be effective educational leaders. They have played the system and have been rewarded by playing the game. We are lacking educational leaders who truly are just that – leaders in education. The best educational leaders have mastered the craft of teaching and can guide other educators. I have encountered very few “former coaches” who meet this criteria.
Great point. Except that Betsy Webb’s family built Husson University’s athletic department, and she has always favored athletics. Look at the $7 million drive to exclusively fund a new football stadium vs. establishing a traditional endowment, which could help students in the chorus, the debate team, and other extra-curriculars (as well as athletes). The principal of Bangor High School is a former BHS basketball star. There’s a culture here that needs to be addressed. When Webb hired Lucey, she presumably had a choice between another former local athlete with connections to the local athletic community (yes, he’s the guy who does the UMaine games on the radio) and an administrator with a different set of skills and experiences. She went with the jock, furthering the jock culture of BHS. Perhaps now she will replace him with somebody committed to supporting ALL extracurricular activities (including athletics) rather than just athletics.
But I doubt it. She’ll blame it on the Orono administrators for not informing her during the hiring process (they, as well as Lucey, knew of the investigation at the time he was hired, but they did not inform Webb, apparently) and continue with the status quo.
What a bunch of nonsensical conspiracy theories. What ignorance and paranoia. Sheesh. The principal at BHS is a Colby-educated former teacher, elementary level principal, and program administrator who is highly qualified across an array of experiences. The Bangor School Department is among the best in the state in a city with a median household income of only about $35,000 a year. Our kids get a great educational product. As to Cameron Stadium, it is being funded through a private capital campaign and the facility is in huge need of renovation. No one could have known of the state investigation regarding Lucy until the results of that investigation were released. Enough of this foolishness. It obviously comes out of people with low information and having an agenda.
Explaining why a culture of corruption exists in the Bangor school system and explaining the bias that goes into hiring decisions is in no way a “conspiracy theory”.
” No one could have known of the state investigation regarding Lucy until the results of that investigation were released. ”
Actually Betsey Webb could have known. She could have asked him directly if there were any issues in his tenure at Orono that might disqualify him from the position in Bangor. That’s a pretty basic question for hiring such a senior level position. I hope she hasn’t made that mistake before – and wont again. And the Superintendent of RSU 26 knew of the investigation, and did speak to Webb. She could have asked him (should have) if there were any issues that might disqualify him from the position. Its called due diligence – I’ve hired people before and know this is one of the most basic questions you ask (to protect yourself and your employer).
Perhaps the school board will ask Webb if she asked these basic questions.
This is a broad brush statement as bad as any statement of prejudice and blunt-mindedness and it is shameful.
Blunt and truth often c0incide. I have worked for over 20 administrators over the past 30 years. Administrators considered scholars are now a rare breed. Those administrators knew who to hire, fire and how to adapt the curriculum (legally) in order to best meet the need of the students. Throughout my 30 years, I have witnessed that most administrators allow the title define who they are. A great leader serves those he/she leads and is comfortable in becoming “nothing” in order for those who are being lead to receive the accolades. The art of true leadership has been lost with those claiming to be leaders in title only.
Forget about the Superintendent. Why haven’t we heard from the School Committee?
too bad we heard from the state board of education who found no punishable wrongdoing. does that count for anything??
What you are saying is not true. The Department of Education did find fault in Lucy’s actions.
what you are saying is not true. i mean seriously. they found the school as a whole needed more training on administration of the test. i cant believe this.
The Department of Education would not have sent a request to the Office of Certification for review if he had done nothing wrong. He could very well lose his certification.
This is a very good editorial. And the BDN should be commended for excellent reporting on a contentious, difficult story that raises important questions about our local school system.
an excellent one sided editorial. notice no other opinion is entertained or it is automatically dismissed.
Well, Lucy has refused to present his side of the story. Stand up like a man so we see both sides.
The comments on this post are unprofessional and
quite frankly stand as cowardly approaches to fulfill past grudges against Mr.
Lucy and the Bangor school system. Anytime you hold a position of power
you are forced to make decisions that will anger some members of the society. Add
children into the mix and this is only amplified. I ask that everyone
reading these articles and writing on this post to please wait until due
process has been done before you crucify Mr. Lucy. I have had the
privilege to grow up with Mr. Lucy as a role model and know him to be a
figure of high moral ground. If anything, this incident is a result of a
flawed school system that bases funding on irrelevant test scores. Even
if this incident stands true, is it truly worse than the thousands of schools
that forgo a legitimate education in order to teach to the tests and how to
answer multiplication questions? There’s
a reason American education pails in comparison to that of other countries, and
I highly doubt it has to do with the administration of standardized testing.
Answer these questions with sincere thought and I welcome you to reply.
sorry for posting twice, I can’t figure out how to delete a post.
THE COMMENT I MADE HAD TO DO WITH STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN THE ORONO SCHOOL DISTRICT, MR. HACKETT, NOT BANGOR. AGAIN, MR. LUCY DESERVES TO BE CONSIDERED INNOCENT FOR NOW. BUT YOUR A PRIORI DEFENSE OF YOUR BUDDY DOESN’T EXACTLY REFUTE THE ALLEGATIONS. LOTS OF FOLKS LOVED “REV.” CARLSON, NOT THAT THE CONTEXTS ARE REMOTELY ALIKE. STILL, YOU’RE PROVIDING A SCAPEGOAT FOR POSSIBLE WRONGDOING.
The comments on this post are unprofessional and
quite frankly stand as cowardly approaches to fulfill past grudges against Mr.
Lucy and the Bangor school system. Anytime you hold a position of power
you are forced to make decisions that will anger some members of the society. Add
children into the mix and this is only amplified. I ask that everyone
reading these articles and writing on this post to please wait until due
process has been done before you crucify Mr. Lucy. I have had the
privilege to grow up with Mr. Lucy as a role model and know him to be a
figure of high moral ground. If anything, this incident is a result of a
flawed school system that bases funding on irrelevant test scores. Even
if this incident stands true, is it truly worse than the thousands of schools
that forgo a legitimate education in order to teach to the tests and how to
answer multiplication questions? There’s
a reason American education pails in comparison to that of other countries, and
I highly doubt it has to do with the administration of standardized testing.
Answer these questions with sincere thought and I welcome you to reply.
You posit “If anything, this incident is a result of a flawed school system that bases funding on irrelevant test scores. Even if this incident stands true, is it truly worse than the thousands of schools that forgo a legitimate education in order to teach to the tests and how to answer multiplication questions? ” I would argue that the circumstances make the man (or woman). I cannot take credit for the words, but “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” Yes the situation of test is tough, it maybe the wrong approach, and actually harm the educational process, but that does not relieve anyone of acting in a manner which violate the norms of respect for the profession and honesty for oneself.
I have met many people who appeared to be wonderful people in their private lives with friends and family but who were completely unethical, nasty scum in their business and professional lives.
and so automatically mr. lucy falls into this category, way to let the investigation (the second time around) pan out.
“Pales”…not “Pails”
I do not place a person who cheats on a standardized test on “high moral ground” or a good “role model”. He knew it was wrong and did it anyway even after he was informed it was not allowed by the state test administrator. He not only compromised his integrity, but he forced three staff members to compromise their integrity to redo the test. That is abuse of power.
forced? interesting word choice. and presumably your OWN word choice.
If you have kept up on this story, the test coordinator contacted the state administrator of this test as he or she knew it was wrong. The state test administrator notified Lucy by email this action was not allowed. Lucy continued to pressure and push the test administrator to do the redo test with the students along with two other teacher. Yes, I would say that is forced if you want to keep your job. Again, abuse power by Lucy along with promoting cheating.
Troll Alert!
Dear Lonnie Hackett,
I know extremely well a student who, with his parents, had the misfortune to deal with your hero Robert Lucy over several years. He was awful, devoid of sympathy for either the young man who has suffered terribly despite being adopted into a loving family with caring parents who did their best to have him find his way in the Orono Middle School. They in turn know of others who have had the same experiences with your hero. Obviously Lucy is innocent unless/until proven guilty. But don’t try the same approach as was tried when Rev. Carlson was first cast in a less than saintly light. I’M NOT SAYING THE CONTEXTS ARE THE SAME, AS PRESUMABLY THEY ARE NOT. BUT THE ALLEGATIONS ARE SERIOUS, DON’T YOU THINK?
‘being devoid of sympathy’ is somehow connected to test scores? this is just an example of how past opinions are distorting the facts of THIS incident.
Please don’t misuse “pails” when it should be “pales.”
Teaching to the test is indeed awful in so many cases. But what that has to do to exonerate Mr. Lucy–if he’s found to be guilty, and he’s innocent for now–is beyond me. Moreover, what happen to a student who changed his test answers because he/she disliked the test? High praise from family/friends?
He allowed 6 special needs students extra time to complete the assessments and expand on their answers. I don’t see how this qualifies as cheating, I view it as providing help to these kids. Where is the rest of the data on these assessments.
The bigger question is, was Lucy aware of the investigation at the time he applied for the position of assistant superintendent in Bangor, and if he was, did he have an obligation to alert Webb and the Bangor School Department to his situation?
And the flip side is, did Webb and the Bangor School Department ask this question:”Is there anything that would reflect negatively on your ability to fulfill your duties as the assistant Superintendent in Bangor schools?” If he knew about the investigation, he would have had to truthfully answer by alerting them to his situation. If Webb didn’t ask this question, then perhaps she should not hold her position either.
Oh, he would have known the investigation was going on when he applied. The Department of Education would first call the Superintendent and let him know they were going to an investigation and why. Next the Superintendent would call Lucy in and ask him if there was any truth to the allegations. If Lucy told the Superintendent the truth, most Superintendents would have placed him on paid administrative leave until the investigation was done. Even if Lucy denied the allegations of the investigation, most Superintendents would have put him paid administrative. The Orono Superintendent has put a dark cloud over the district and town by his inaction in this situation with his game playing. The district’s school board need to ask the Superintendent some stern questions.
too bad the investigation was over. and no findings were made. look at the report and see for yourself.
Every investigation report has findings.
excuse me, no ILLEGAL findings.
Why all these comments about other things than the fact this person ordered test to be adjusted? He cheated the system and there fore should be handed down a punishment. He should not be allowed back into any administrative position. Obviously the report handed down is not good enough for the Bangor School system to have to perform their own investigation. That part I don’t understand what so ever.
I feel like this is a “support Mr. Lucy” or “attack Mr. Lucy” discussion, based on personal feelings about the man. I feel that it should instead, focus on what he is accused of doing. If indeed, he did alter or direct school personnel to change answers, he violated the terms of the test, for which he was responsible. This would mean that he KNOWINGLY violated the directives of the test… it would not have been accidental. If true, this IS a big deal. It violates the trust that we – the taxpayers of Orono – placed in him as Principal of our Middle School. Mr. Lucy would have FAILED to comply with federal guidelines and directives. Honestly, this whole situation has given the Orono School System a black eye and embarrassed the town. Many of us wonder why enrollment in RSU #26 is declining, and why we have to go to China to find students to attend OHS. It is interesting that the Orono High Schools administration is enshrining Mr. Lucy into the Orono HS Athletic Hall of Fame later tonight. To me, this demonstrates that Mr. Chasse and Mr. Archer, are not in touch with the seriousness of this situation, or do not appreciate it. Not a good decision if you ask me. Should be very interesting at halftime of the game tonight.
Chill out people. He just bent the rules a little.
Cheat, cheat never beat!
How about instead of itching for drama, we all take a step back and realize how heartless some opinions are relayed to the public. The negative aspect of journalism is that you can post anything, ANYTHING you would like. And that’s just it…no one has any concept of whether or not this accusation is even remotely accurate. I ask you all to put yourself in the families shoes and imagine the the shame of false accusation. Even if you believe the investigation may result in truth, hold your opinions until you have the facts, the insight, and the truth. Do not take this as a time to get revenge on a past grudge or talk smack in order to hide the light on your own problems. Take this as a learning experience that someday, someone may question your motives, or begin an invalid rumor about you; and realize the shame you would already suffer prior to judgmental comments. Bob Lucy is an honorable man of integrity; let us not forget his wonderful achievements of 28 years due to a glimpse of one opinionated, inaccurate article.
“Honorable men of integrity” do not cheat – they play by the rules. As for an “opinionated and inaccurate report”…seems that all of the facts that the BDN reporter cited have been corroborated Perhaps some folks should get past their own “personal opinions”, and realize that the investigation (based on witness statements) determined that Mr. Lucy committed the act. ALERT: This would not be the first time that someone in such a position of authority “shocked” friends and supporters by acting unprofessionally. It seems that the only person who truly knows, has not yet come forward and made a statement on the situation.
Silence speaks volumes. Soooooo Mr. Lucy – did ya cheat?
the investigation DONE by the state ELEVEN months ago determined he didnt cheat. did you bother to read that? cause the BDN didn’t bother to print that in the newspaper.
Thank you mlund6616. Just another point proven that the individuals commenting simply have not done all their research and make assumptions based off 2 articles and one editorial in the Bangor Daily. Believing whatever you read in the newspaper is like taking all of your information from Wikipedia.
or facebook newsfeed.
Not sure what you read, but I am going by…”According to a Maine Department of Education assessment investigation, documentation “offers incontrovertible evidence that some students revisited the NECAP test after the time permitted.” The report includes statements from Orono school employees who said Lucy asked them to let special education students fill in blank answers or expand on written test segments in October 2011.” Well, I interpret this as “cheating”, but everyone has their own opinions , I guess. As for the reference to “ELEVEN” months ago – I could care less when this occurred. He was being paid by our tax dollars while he was here…in the end, we paid him while he was cheating. Even with the affected test scores “thrown out”, Bob Lucy violated the requirements of a standardized test ,designed to provide the town and its taxpayers a glimpse of where our students actually stand on an educational basis. ALL of our students. He CHOSE to abandon the trust we placed in him. Bottom line? RSU #26 is the better that he is gone…Good luck Bangor School District – he is your problem now.
how about reading the ‘conclusion’ of the investigation. not a BDN quote.
this news is not new. this investigation took place 11 mos ago by the state dept of education. no illegal findings were made. the tests in question were eliminated, to boot. whoever brought this to the attention of the BDN now (11mos later) is apparently on some ‘witchhunt’
and bob carlsons name has no place in this discussion. that is disgusting.
It really upsets me that people believe Mr. Lucy would ever
cheat the system. Are you kidding me?!?! This man is one of the most admirable,
honest, and fair people I know. He works very hard and is very passionate about
his job. He truly has every student’s best interest in mind. If there ever came
a point in time where you thought he wasn’t being fair to your child or anyone
else, then it was probably because he was doing what was best for the school as
a whole. He cares about ALL his students equally. So far, we only have a one
sided story; a story that the BDN chose to publish before fully researching its
validity.
Don’t you think the timing of this whole thing is really suspicious?
Right when he starts working in Bangor, and right before he gets inducted into
the Orono Hall of Fame. This incident (which has already been resolved)
happened over a year ago! So why is it just coming out now? Why didn’t the
people in Orono have anything to say about it while he was still working there?
Sounds like someone is out to get him for whatever reason, could be resentment,
could be jealously, but make sure you get all your facts straight before you
start trying to ruin the reputation of a truly exceptional individual.
suspicious doesnt even begin to describe. unbelieveable. and quite disturbing actually. we are all at the mercy of the media. scary thought.
Yup, and you are here bad mouthing BDN. They have your name through registering for disqus. Yup, you could be next.
Is Lucy a Republican? That would account for the BDN’s attack on him.
I would assume that a thorough investigation would include looking higher up. Hierarchies create all kinds of dynamics such as plausible deniability, subtle hints that might cause a subordinate to try and win favor with a superior, or a simple directive to ” you will do it.” {the old,” let ‘s get Mikey to do it”}