Former Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools superintendent Paul Mason lost his credentials last year after an Alberta Education committee determined he tampered with high school marks, and breached security by accessing diploma exams.
“As an experienced leader, you were, or should have been acutely aware that engaging in these behaviours was highly unprofessional and represented a significant breach of trust,” wrote an Alberta Education deputy minister in an April 28, 2023 letter to Mason.
“After engaging in these behaviors, per the findings of the (Practice Review Hearing Committee), you chose dishonesty over integrity.”
In February 2020, Red Deer Catholic announced that Mason no longer worked for the school jurisdiction with no explanation.
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Employment concluded for Red Deer Catholic superintendent
After a hearing, held Oct. 21 to Nov. 2, 2022, the committee found Mason’s conduct to be unprofessional when he breached security protocols established by Alberta Education by accessing two diploma exams and photocopying them prior to students writing the exams, dishonesty for failing to disclose the security breaches to division staff and Alberta Education representatives, as well as for inflating final teacher-awarded grades to a higher percentage in three high school course subjects.
The committee’s 84-page report dated Dec. 15, 2022, which included the allegations against Mason, exhibits, witness testimony, cross-examination, and the committee’s recommendations, did not include how many students received higher grades. But the report did mention that in July 2019 Mason increased an English 10 mark to 90 from 89 per cent. In August 2019, he increased a Chemistry 30 summer school mark to 83 from 80 per cent. Also in August 2019, he hiked a Mathematics 10 mark to 86 from 81 per cent.
The report said that on January 2020, Mason opened English 30-1 Part B and Math 30-2 exams, photocopied them and shredded them.
The deputy minister wrote to Mason that overriding the professional judgement of teachers demonstrated that his “discretion, professional discernment, and leadership cannot be trusted.”
“Similarly, opening diploma examinations and photocopying them before they are administered to students demonstrates unethical behaviour that cannot be tolerated.”
Mason’s Alberta Superintendent Leadership Certificate, Alberta Leadership Certificate, and Alberta Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate were cancelled as of April 2023.
Related:
Employment concluded for Red Deer Catholic superintendent
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools said it was aware that the findings of the provincial review and sanctions against Mason have been made public.
“The division fully cooperated with the provincial Practice Review Hearing. From the outset, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools actively participated in the hearing process, ensuring that all relevant information was available for a fair and impartial assessment. Additionally, a thorough review of our internal processes resulted in improvements to the security of confidential information. A review of administrative procedures and Alberta Education processes surrounding provincial and diploma exams also occurred,” the statement said.
The division said the Board of Trustees became aware of the allegations against Mason on Feb. 4, 2020, and after carefully considering the evidence, his employment was terminated on Feb.19, 2020. The board adhered to the strictest confidentiality to ensure an impartial and fair process.
“It is important to note that the actions of one individual do not define the values and principles of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. The Board of Trustees remains dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students, staff, and the broader community. The board continues to work diligently to uphold the trust placed in us by the community and to foster an educational atmosphere characterized by professionalism, respect, and accountability.”