Montgomery County Public Schools are investigating the sideline business of a high school principal who quietly operated an expensive consulting service that officials worry conflicted with his ability to lead.
Moreno “Mo” Carrasco, principal of Rockville’s Richard Montgomery High School since July 2003, shut down his operation’s Web site, Savetheprincipal.com, late last week after an investigation by The Examiner revealed he may be in conflict with the Board of Education’s code of ethics.
Two contracts between Carrasco’s firm and the Allegany County Board of Education show the principal held two events for their system in July 2007 and February 2008. The first event, a two-hour “introductory session,” cost $700, in addition to $300 for expenses. The two-day February event, held during the middle of a school week, would have netted nearly $10,000, according to the terms of the contract, and included about 20 principal and secretary “teams” from around the district.
“Obviously it’s a concern,” said Nancy Navarro, board president. “It’s important to ensure our staff is engaged in instruction and leadership.”
Navarro said the outcomes of the investigation, expected in about a month, could go before an ethics panel made up of 15 members of the community not employed by the schools or the board. Navarro said Superintendent Jerry Weast could still take action on his own after the investigation.
Weast’s spokesman, Brian Edwards, would not comment on the pending investigation, but said last week the superintendent had been unaware of Carrasco’s practice.
Earlier versions of Carrasco’s Web site showed upcoming institutes and seminars scheduled around the region, including one at Carrasco’s own Richard Montgomery that was to be held Monday, a workday for teachers but a day off for students. That event was canceled, Carrasco said, adding he is no longer pursuing the business but that it did not conflict with his duties.
