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Principal in Montgomery County probe also faces plagiarism charges
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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A Montgomery County high school principal already under investigation by the school district for operating a consulting business on the side is now facing allegations of plagiarism.
A lawyer for the Breakthrough Coach, an educational consulting firm that ran principal seminars in Montgomery County in spring 2006, is looking into legal action against Moreno Carrasco, principal of Rockville’s Richard Montgomery High School, for allegedly co-opting some of the company’s tactics.
Carrasco recently stopped leading his Breakthrough Principal institutes after an Examiner investigation revealed he may be in violation of the school board’s code of ethics for scheduling his private business events on school days, sometimes at Richard Montgomery.
“We are reviewing our options but we are glad he has said he won’t be offering the seminars anymore,” said Jonathan Drimmer, a lawyer with D.C.-based Steptoe and Johnson.
Carrasco’s company, Executive Coaching Services, was incorporated in October 2006, about six months after he allegedly went through the Breakthrough Coach seminar. A spokeswoman for the Montgomery County school system confirmed the district held the events.
Although Carrasco’s Web site was removed last week, minutes after speaking with The Examiner, earlier versions show similarities between the two companies.
Both offer leadership training for principals and their secretaries held over two days at about the same cost: $469 per team for Carrasco, and between $400-$550 per team for the Breakthrough Coach.
“Do the principal’s job in eight hours a day. … Spend two days per week in the classroom,” said Carrasco’s site, Savetheprincipal.com.
“Work a 40- [to] 50-hour week … allow [principals] to spend two full days a week in classrooms,” says the Breakthrough Coach.
“Let me be very clear,” said Jill Pancoast, vice president of the Florida-based business, Carrasco “has no affiliation with us; he has never had an affiliation with us; if his materials look like they have an affiliation with us, that is completely false.”
Though Carrasco spoke openly about his business in a phone interview and said he is no longer pursuing it, his name was not listed on the Web site except as a testimonial to the program’s effectiveness.
Executive Coaching Services was incorporated by Jeanette Plew, but the mailing address is Carrasco’s home in Germantown. Though people familiar with the family say Plew is Carrasco’s wife, she refused to comment on the question.
Drimmer referred concerns over transparency back to Montgomery County.
“Whatever ethical issues that may exist associated with what he’s doing are up to the school district, and not legal counsel,” Drimmer said.
lfabel@dcexaminer.com
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Examiner Reader said:
My Sister goes to Richard Montgomery High School
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Former Student said:
Mo was and is a threat to our schools, get him out of montgomery county asap
1 agree | 1 disagree
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Not Guilty? said:
So - when's the school's farewell party for their principal? They aren't having one because everyone knows the truth. If he was as innocent as pure snow, wouldn't someone throw a party when a much loved principal leaves and to say thanks and good luck.
4 agree | 1 disagree
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Parent of former Eastern Student said:
As I predicted at the beginning of this mess, the county promotes Carrasco, making up a position having him teach administrators. Just what we need in the county. Mo-clones -- wasting schools' needed fund, being out of the school whenever they're needed, driving golf balls off the roof, etc.
6 agree | 1 disagree
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Reality said:
Tired Taxpayer, What's your beef with facts?
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Outraged Taxpayer said:
Tired Taxpayer - are you made of money? Do you want your kids educated in the kind of school system where principals ride around in golf carts and make side deals for sports complexes on school property in residential neighborhoods? This principal got off with only a mild hand slap - and now he can continue his seminars out of the sightlines of parents?
5 agree | 2 disagree
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Tired Taxpayer said:
Leah ~ what's your beef with this principal?? Why do you continue to print allegations to try to tarnish this principal's reputation?? Where is the responsible journalism?
2 agree | 8 disagree
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Outraged Taxpayer said:
Who is fooling who? He now gets to train other principals in golf carts and artificial turf? Throw Jerry OUT!
4 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Any updates to this?
1 agree | 1 disagree
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Another additional reader said:
He took off a week or more in early November stating," The drama of the new building has taken its toll", implying that he needed rest due to the stress of his job. He had more time off for travel than any other staff member in the month of November so lets not feel sorry for him that he may have dedicated some time to his duties. No excuse for the golf course blues!!
8 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Other principals do those things and are actually at school during the school day, that's the price you pay when you take on the responsibility of being a principal. It's great that he was there for those families in their time of loss, but he does not belong on the golf course ever during a school day (or off doing his other business).
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ah, yes, but could he have returned to school in the evening to meet with athletic or parent groups? Could he have spent the Thanksgiving weekend consoling the families and attending the funerals of two students who died? I guess he had to cancel his family plans that weekend. If he had plans to fly, who paid for that flight cancellation?Or maybe he was attending a hearing in the evening; but i guess you just don't see those things.
2 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ah I see things haven't changed since he was "working" as principal of Eastern MS.
3 agree | 1 disagree
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Additional Reader said:
Quite the contrary. Examiner Reader below hit the nail- although he was being a little kind about the 2:30 tee time. Mo Carrasco was seen already on the back nine at 3:00- on the third day of school! His foursome must have commenced closer to 1:00 on that day (slow day at work, Mo?!) Sixteen hours per week in the classroom? I suppose so if one of the classes he is "co-teaching" is "Beginning Golf."
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sounds personal.
2 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Mo Carrasco's ethical lapses could have be forgiven if he had ever built a lasting constituency among the people that matter -- the hard working teachers of Richard Montgomery High School, its vibrant student body and its devoted corps of parents. It's hard to do that when you're out the door at 2:15 and on the golf course at 2:30. His supporters are largely sycophants. People who are truly the heart and soul of Richard Montgomery know that his message of leadership is fundamentally pablum.
7 agree | 2 disagree
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Another Examiner Reader said:
Yes, the news in the Montgomery Sentinel, the Examiner, the Gazette, the Washington Post, and TV channel 9 about Mo's side business on school time and use of another company's copyrighted material must have all been false.
3 agree | 1 disagree
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Taxpayer said:
Mo is back at RM. Guess whatever investigation is over and he is cleared.
2 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
yeah, they were considering it last week, and they are considering it this week. consider, consider, consider. how much will the reporter write when they decide not to file, or when the lawsuit gets thrown out? i don't know about you, but aren't you sick of this? To you who fed this idea to the reporter, wouldn't you say you've got as much as you wanted out of this?
2 agree | 6 disagree
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slandered in the press??? said:
He may be slandered by many of these comments posted here but the news stories have stated basically the issues at hand, and the facts. She only wrote for instance that a law firm is considering legal action, and they are. Just because those facts alone make him look bad does not mean he is being slandered. More importantly if the reporter Leah Fabel had not asked questions there would be no investigation by MCPS at all. I think she has done a great job.
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Give him a Fair Trial..... said:
The last few comments are calling this guy guilty...we've commended the students on achieveing their right to freedom of press, but what about this guy's right to a fair trial?? Being slandered in the press in no way constitutes a fair trial. If he did something wrong then punish him, BUT let him be heard and give him an opportunity to defend himself. If an investigation is going on with MCPS, I'm sure the principal ins't allowed to respond at this time; however, be patient and wait for ALL sides of the story.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Another Examiner Reader said:
Very well put! Most (but not all) of the comments here demonstrate that people realize that what Mr. Carrasco has allegedly done (run a business on school time and use someone else's copyrighted materials) is wrong. Maybe Mr. Carrasco should be publicly repremanded for his actions, or maybe he should be dismissed. But either way, his actions are not reflective of the students and the parents. But if he is simply returned to his leadership position with no consequences, then a very bad message will have been sent to the students.
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Many of you are making far too much of the events surrounding Mr. Carrasco. I am not trying to defend him; in fact, his behavior is more than likely unethical, BUT: - Unethical behavior by the principal does not reflect on the students or faculty - There is no "cover-up." There was no shady turf deal. The school is merely putting artificial turf on its new athletic fields. - Mr. Carrasco has not done anything shady to earn RM its reputation. A combination of rigorous coursework, some gifted teachers, and students from good backgrounds is the reason for RM's high rating. What Mr. Carrasco did is almost certainly wrong. Should he lose his job? Maybe. But all the sensationalist attitudes in your comments show exactly why the school newspaper needs to report on the cold hard facts of the situation.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
what cover up is 'what else' referring to?
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Taxpayer said:
I am surprised the principal is coming back to school. Isn't he embarassed about the whole thing? First the turf deal, then the golf cart, then the side business on school time, and then plagiarism? Is this who we want in charge of a first rate school? Or maybe the school isn't that hot either. What else is hidden from public view? If a student ran a business out of the school using a classroom, would we let that go? Kids are instructed to not plagiarize either - are the kids in this school subject to a different standard than the rest of the county? I'd hate to have my child sitting for one of the national exams over the next few weeks. What are the ethics of the students?
4 agree | 3 disagree
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Just the facts said:
It's good to see student journalists holding up the fine traditions of the First Amendment. Keep up the great work.
6 agree | 2 disagree
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What else? said:
More of the cover up will be revealed in a week or two. What you've read is only the surface. Stay tuned.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Frank Winstead said:
What else are the people at this school covering up?
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Get him off the payroll said:
The RM principal needs to be off the payroll. NOW. Let him run his side business - on his own time. If its that lucrative, why does he need to be relying on taxpayers to support his family. If you really believe he is sick, send him flowers.
4 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ellen, think this through. The general public would not be pleased to find that the principal was earning some extra cash on his lunch break if an unfortunate event like at Einstein were to occur. Schools on code red but the principal is out earning an extra buck.
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Ellen, are you for real? said:
Ellen said "If what he did was unethical then the laws need to be examined." ||||||| Ellen, please clarify your statement. Are you saying that the rules against plagiarism should be changed? Are you saying that is okay to copy a company's plans and materials, then sell them as your own? Would it be okay for RMHS students to copy sentences from books and use them in essays without quoting the sentences and giving credit to the authors?
6 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Name one thing blown out of proportion. Still waiting for one non factual item.
5 agree | 2 disagree
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Concerned Parent said:
I agree with Ellen, Parent below. It is indeed excessive and blown terribly out of proportion. This whole story reeks of sensationalism, a chronic problem in this country today.
2 agree | 4 disagree
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Ellen - said:
Mr. Carrasco USED our students in his business enterprises. He scheduled seminars at the school FOR PROFIT. Did you sign a permission slip to have your students involved in his business? Did they reap anything from his enterprise?
6 agree | 3 disagree
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Ellen, parent of 2 RM students who respect him! said:
I am appalled at the comments below. Mr. Carrasco is a good principal and I think someone is out to lynch him. If what he did was unethical then the laws need to be examined. He is not the first businessman to moonlight. Many of these comments come out of spite and envy. Someone is not very happy that Mr. Carrasco is doing well by his school while also excelling at business. Mr. Carrasco you still have my family's support and respect. If you have to leave RM, it is their loss.
2 agree | 4 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
So the connection is between Weast and the turnover of principals...?
1 agree | 2 disagree
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Downloaded from site before it was shut down said:
1. Two-Day Institute $ 469 /Team: Principal and Secretary The two-day Institute is the most comprehensive way to implement the Breakthrough Principal Philos... 2. One-Day Regional Institute For Secretaries $ 99 Per Person This is a capacity building Institute designed to enhance the secretary’s “soft” and “hard” skills. ... 3. Introductory Sessions:$700 for a 2 Hour Session School districts may request an introductory session for an unlimited number of participants. This session includes a brief description of the Management by Design philosophy and the implementation of five efficiency systems. 4. The Breakthrough Principals’ Network:$399/ Per School Members of the Breakthrough Principals’ Network (BPN) become part of a growing group of principals using the Breakthrough Management System.... 5. On-Site Coaching Support:$799/ year Executive Coaching Services, LLC provides on-site coaching for principals and administrative assistants during the initial implementation stages...
6 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You have to find out whether it's competition or really plaigarism - How profitable could it be if Carrasco was 'giving' the training away at national conferences, state conferences, and for his colleagues in Montgomery County. We only know of one paying district (that's been reported) other than that the press hasn't proven that he held anything at RMHS for profit. Besides - the word Breakthrough isn't a copyrighted word - Maryland State has awards for Breakthrougb Schools (wheaton most recently)- should the Breakthrough Coach sue them as well? Check on the statistics For Mont. Co - since Dr.Weast's beginning there has been about 94% principal turnover. Carrasco is one of the very few that has lasted through Dr. Weast's tenure.
3 agree | 5 disagree
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Shortage of principals? said:
Then it must be okay for Carrasco to copy THE BREAKTHROUGH COACH material and sell it as THE BREAKTHROUGH PRINCIPAL, making a tidy profit for himself. 90th percentile turnover? Is that 90% turnover? 90% of the principals change each year? I don't think so . . . . .
4 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
What do you think the principal turnover rate in Montgomery County has been in the past 7 years? Try in the 90th percentile. There IS a shortage of principals. You are correct that several principals apply to a new opening ~ but they are existing principals. Robbing Peter to Pay Paul and then bringing principals back after retirement to be 'acting' principals, is the not the right way to recruit for these positions. Montgomery County has to go outside of the county to get principals. Their grow you own program has it's successes, but there is still a shortage. The shortage will be extremely evident in the next 10 years, especially in High School Principals. Maybe Carrasco has a point with his SAVE THE PRINCIPAL initiative.
3 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Name one non factual thing.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Shortage of principals? said:
What shortage of principals? Every time a principal position opens in Montgomery County, there are at least five applicants. When has Montgomery County ever had to go begging for qualified people to serve as principals?
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
All this muck racking in public is why there is a critical shortage of principals. Who would want a job where every issue is batted in the public with non factual insinuations. It is a personel matter and will and should remain confidential. Watch a soap opera if you have that emotional need.
2 agree | 6 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You mean after the disciplinary charges and lawsuits are resolved. . . Be real. Its bad enough that he is unethical, the rest of us don't buy into this too.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Back to work said:
Mr. Carrasco will be back when he gets over his illness. Give him a few more days.
1 agree | 2 disagree
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Concerned said:
When is Mr. Carrasco coming back to school?
1 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
It was on the website. Sorry you missed it!
4 agree | 2 disagree
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reader said:
...And how is it that you know Principal Carrasco's schedule and how do you absolutely know these events were scheduled and for a fee? WHere are you getting this information--?
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Dear RMHS Faculty said:
You are the ones who need to get your facts straight. Mr. C had two seminars scheduled for April - one on the professional day and one on a school day. For a fee. Get real. Was he really taking off on school days? Did you know you are being used? Or are you also making money off this scheme with Mr. C?
2 agree | 2 disagree
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I tried the Gazette said:
reader, I took your advice and sure enough, there is an article in today's Rockville Gazette about Mr. Carrasco's activities. Funny thing is that it is just as incriminating than the Examiner articles. It also says that "Carrasco failed to return numerous calls and e-mails seeking comment." How can we get Mr. Carrasco's side of the story if he won't even explain when given an opportunity to do so?
5 agree | 2 disagree
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