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Washburn's New Principal On Leave After Allegedly Altering Test Scores

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Just days after taking the job, Washburn High School's new principal has been put on administrative leave.

Patrick Exner is accused of altering three students' test scores while he was the assistant director at Ubah Medical Academy, a public charter high school in Hopkins.

Exner arrived at Washburn after the previous principal was reassigned in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding the hanging of a dark skinned doll in a school hallway.

Also this year, students staged a walkout to show support for an embattled Athletic Director.

In regards to Exner, Minneapolis Public Schools issued a statement saying, "As with any allegation, we should not necessarily assume that it is true. MPS will do its due diligence to investigate this matter, and, until this process concludes, Mr. Exner will be on administrative leave."

"It just kind of sucks," Annalise Neiberger said."We have been through so much at our school this past year -- just kind of hoping for a fresh start."

No one at Ubah Medical Academy returned WCCO's phone calls.

The State Department of Education said the school self-reported the incident and invalidated the test scores. The department confirmed that three student tests were compromised due to an unsecure testing environment and proctoring protocols not being followed.

Nancy Chalmers' daughter graduated from Washburn and she regularly donates money to the school

"I am disappointed," Chalmers said. "Washburn needs strong leadership and Washburn needs to be a good school for the community."

Washburn parents who WCCO spoke with said they have not yet received any communication from the school about Exner being put on leave.

WCCO was unable to reach Exner.

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