Accused principal's exclusive interview

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - "I have not done anything unethical," said the soft-spoken principal of Lafayette-Winona Middle School who is accused of lying and coercing teachers to help students cheat on state-mandated tests.

"I've been in Norfolk Public Schools for 21 years. My whole professional career has been dedicated to teaching students," said Cassandra Goodwyn, in an exclusive interview with WAVY.com. 

She comes from a family of Norfolk educators all the way back to her grandmother and after a life dedicated to teaching students, Goodwyn says she is devastated by the allegations against her.   "It's tough, but I'm a tough person and I will get through it."

According to a report written by a three-person panel appointed by Norfolk Superintendent Stephen Jones to investigate testing problems, Goodwyn allegedly committed serious violations.  Jones, during a news conference he held Wednesday to discuss the investigation, said,  "We will not hesitate to take the necessary steps in the case of staff members who have made poor decisions."

The panel's report claims Goodwyn coerced special education teachers to help their students cheat on state tests, to help the school get accreditation.

"I was taken aback by that. I have not done that," said Goodwyn. "I was certainly taken aback by that and very saddened by that. I would never cross any ethical lines in terms of coercing people to do anything that was not right. No."

Goodwyn, who met with WAVY.com in her attorney's office, said, "I have not done anything that would bring on the testing irregularites that we have incurred at Lafayette-Winona Middle School."

There are also allegations Goodwyn lied to get a whistleblowing teacher fired because he refused to give in to her pressure and join in the cheating. "No, that's not true either," said Goodwyn, maintaining her innocence. "Absolutely not true."

Some Norfolk City councilmembers are now suggesting all schools in the Norfolk Public School system need to be investigated for testing violations.

"This is just horrible," said Councilman Randy Wright. "Our school system has got to stand up, and take their lumps, and do this honestly and fairly."   Wright also said he wants the full council to be furnished with a copy of the report.

As Goodwyn and her attorney, Reid Ervin, review the panel's report, which is nearly 80 pages long, and prepare a written response for the school board, the principal says she feels she will be exonerated. "Yes, I do," she said. "Yes, I do."

Goodwyn said she has received an outpouring of support from the community and wanted to thank everyone. "At the end of the day it's about helping kids move forward, that's what our work is all about."

Goodwyn also said she loves her school and loves working there.

"I work with a great group of people from teachers, staff, students, parents and that makes it so worth it. I want the Lafayette-Winona Middle School teachers and staff members to know that you are some of the most dedicated and trusted employees any district can have. I want our parents and other stakeholders to know that our students are highly capable and very motivated and I ask for you continued support and trust in our great school system, Norfolk Public Schools."