MARLIN, Texas — In an exclusive interview with Texas Today anchor Micah Wilson, Marlin Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson has addressed a contentious year-long lawsuit involving himself and the district. For the first time, Henson has publicly responded to allegations brought forth by Marlin ISD parent Monica Johnson, who is suing both him and the district over accusations of unjust grade tampering.
Johnson's lawsuit accuses Dr. Henson of altering her daughter’s grades just days before graduation. Johnson asserts that these changes were made in retaliation for a petition she started demanding Henson’s removal following delays in graduation ceremony from the previous year. According to Johnson, the grade modifications were part of a broader scheme orchestrated by Henson and others to undermine her daughter’s academic standing.
"I definitely want him removed for changing the grades," Johnson said. She further claimed that the grade changes significantly impacted her daughter's class rank, which was allegedly altered shortly before graduation. “This was very devastating for her,” Johnson said, expressing frustration with the district’s handling of her daughter’s academic records.
In response, Dr. Henson firmly denied these allegations during his exclusive interview with 6 News. Although he refrained from delving into specific details of the lawsuit, citing legal advice, Henson was adamant that the claims of grade manipulation are unfounded. "Not one grade has been changed by myself, and not one grade has been changed or modified that is not in alignment with board policies," Henson stated. He emphasized that any changes made were strictly in accordance with the district’s established procedures and policies.
The controversy over grade changes is further complicated by the district's response to Johnson's accusations. Marlin ISD released a statement saying that last June, the district told Johnson that several factors contributed to changes in GPAs, including the correction of errors in grade calculations. "You might not like what we're telling you, but when you have humans entering data and doing information, sometimes mistakes might happen," Henson explained. He reassured that all actions taken were within the bounds of district policy and aimed at ensuring accurate academic records. "But I can, once again, assure you that I know or. Any other employee has modified, altered, or changed a grade that was not in the courts with board policy."
However, Johnson’s attorney, Janelle Davis, criticized the district’s handling of the situation. “Let’s say it was a mistake, right? Let’s say they were not calculating grades the correct way all school year long. Number one, how do you not know that until three days before graduation? That’s a problem,” Davis asserted, questioning the timing and transparency of the grade correction process.
In a statement to 6 News, Henson wrote:
“It’s our responsibility as the district to ensure accurate and correct grading and GPA calculations prior to finalizing them. Though we understand the frustration caused by any campus-based inaccuracies, it is our legal obligation as the district to ensure their correctness and compliance in accordance with our school board policies.“
Meanwhile, parents Cliff and Brandolyn Jones, who are also plaintiffs, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the district’s actions. The Joneses are seeking justice for their children and have removed their youngest son from the district as a result. “We want justice for our sons,” Brandolyn Jones stated. “We want their grades restored.” The couple’s older son graduated in 2023 but allegedly faced similar issues with his academic records.
In his interview, Dr. Henson defended the district's integrity, asserting that despite the accusations, he says, Marlin ISD remains committed to acting in the best interest of its students and adhering to legal standards. "This school district has always done things despite the accusations, that are what's best for children and within the bounds of the law," Henson concluded.
For those interested in a more detailed account of Dr. Henson’s interview, his full interview with Texas Today anchor Micah Wilson’s is available on 6 +. Which is free on Roku, Firestick, and Apple TV.