Superintendent's statement
Naperville Unit District 203 Superintendent Alan Leis released the following statement Thursday in the wake of two apparent incidents of high-profile plagiarism at Naperville Central High School:
"In the last few days, two very unfortunate incidences involving Naperville Central High School have surfaced. Both cast in a negative light an outstanding school with excellent students and staff. Both deal with plagiarism relating to senior recognition speeches.
"One involved the principal; the other involved a student speaker, the school's valedictorian. Those of us who have daily involvement with Naperville Central have been surprised and saddened by these recent events. They are very atypical of the high standards of this school and this district.
"We have strong systems in place to prevent and monitor student plagiarism. The concept of plagiarism is taught as early as fifth grade and is further reinforced in junior high and high school English classes.
"Teachers and students jointly use technology to 'check' student papers for plagiarism, and the district has clearly identified the sanctions for any instances in which previously published work is quoted without proper citation in our student handbooks.
"Those sanctions for students include, in the first instance, a failing grade on the assignment in question, with increased penalties for students who commit this error more than once.
"In addition, board policy states that 'All school district employees are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships, to demonstrate integrity and honesty, to be considerate and cooperative, and to maintain professional relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others.' District 203 has articulated clearly its standards.
"District administrators are and will continue to carefully investigate these cases. On Wednesday evening … the Board of Education met in closed session. Naperville School District 203 is currently engaged in negotiations that are expected to result in Principal (Jim) Caudill's reassignment for the next school year.
"While the district believes it is important to clearly articulate and enforce the highest ethical standards among staff and students, it should be noted that Jim Caudill has provided 34 years of tireless service to our students and community.
"In the case of the student's speech, it appears that portions of the address bear a strong similarity to another graduation speech published on the Internet. The district has requested that the student return the Valedictorian medal awarded at graduation. In addition, the speech will be removed from the videotape of the graduation ceremony.
"As a result of these situations, we will begin an immediate review of our current systems and will work to identify additional strategies that reinforce standards consistent with ethical behavior. An advisory committee comprised of experts, community members, teachers, students and parents will be convened to assist with this task.
"Again, we see these events as serious breaches of our standards and an aberration from the norm. When issues like these arise, it is very important that we reinforce the consistent expectation of ethical behavior. We cannot tolerate a double standard.
"This has been a difficult and emotional time. Any final decision will be based on an assessment of what is best for our students, staff and the District 203 community. We will move forward, not with emotion, but with reason and integrity."