In a remarkable turn of events, the student newspaper at Riverside High School in southeastern Kansas has conducted an investigation that resulted in the resignation of their new principal. While student newspapers typically don’t dive deep into investigative journalism, the team behind the River Report displayed tenacity and courage that led to significant revelations.
Principal Lisa Thompson was appointed on March 6th, but shortly after, the River Report began scrutinizing her background for a feature story. Their research revealed several discrepancies, particularly regarding her claims of holding a master’s and doctorate from a school called Eastwood University. Upon investigation, the students discovered that the university’s website was non-functional—an unusual red flag for a legitimate institution. A dedicated group of six students dug deeper, uncovering that Eastwood University was notorious for being a “diploma mill,” a place where degrees can be purchased without any real academic work. It was neither accredited by the Department of Education nor recognized by the Better Business Bureau, and it had no verifiable physical location.
“This person was set to lead our school, and we needed confirmation of her qualifications,” commented senior Emily Carter when speaking to a local news outlet. When Thompson was asked to provide her transcript from a supposed undergraduate institution, she was unable to do so, leading to her resignation later that evening.
The students’ effort was not merely a matter of online searches; they invested weeks reaching out to educational institutions and accreditation bodies to get to the bottom of the situation. “They faced pushback from various quarters saying, ‘stay out of it,’” noted John Wilson, the newspaper’s faculty advisor. For high school students to challenge their principal and school board is no small feat, particularly when the stakes were high. Senior student Jack Mitchell expressed to the press, “Initially, it was thrilling, but it dawned on me that this was much more serious than we anticipated.”
Additionally, Thompson claimed to possess a teaching degree from the University of Cambridge, which raises further suspicion. While I’m not one to gamble, I would bet a significant sum that this assertion is unfounded.
The students received guidance from industry professionals, including Sarah Lee, executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association. The faculty advisor had to step back from the investigation as she was part of the hiring committee for Thompson. “I couldn’t be prouder of my students,” she shared. “It was astonishing to see something so clear to them go unnoticed by the adults.”
In a commendable move, the school superintendent and other administrators supported the students, acknowledging the oversight and the need for diligence in hiring practices. “I take full responsibility. As superintendent, I feel I let the faculty and students down. I admit it publicly,” stated superintendent Mark Davis, highlighting the importance of accountability.
When it comes to hiring school leaders, parents expect thorough vetting to ensure their children’s safety and education. The thought that someone could be appointed without legitimate qualifications is troubling for everyone involved.
We commend the students at the River Report for their dedication and integrity in uncovering this issue. Their hard work exemplifies the impact of curiosity and the importance of asking questions.
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Summary
A student newspaper investigation at Riverside High School led to the resignation of Principal Lisa Thompson, who was found to have falsified her educational credentials. The students’ diligent research uncovered that she had claimed degrees from a diploma mill, prompting school authorities to acknowledge their oversight in the hiring process.