Ex-Atlanta Schools Chief Indicted in Cheating Scam Beverly Hall, 34 underlings accused of massive testing fraud By John Johnson, Newser Staff Posted Mar 29, 2013 5:50 PM CDT 36 comments Comments In this 2011 file photo, outgoing schools superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall, center, arrives for her last school board meeting in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) View 1 more image (Newser) – The astonishing improvement in test scores made by students in Atlanta last decade earned schools chief Beverly Hall plaudits from around the nation and superintendent-of-the-year honors in 2009. Now, they might get her 45 years in prison. Hall and 34 underlings were indicted today and accused of orchestrating a massive fraud on standardized tests, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Charges include racketeering, influencing witnesses, conspiracy, and making false statements, reports the New York Times. “Prosecutors allege the 35 named defendants conspired to either cheat, conceal cheating or retaliate against whistle-blowers in an effort to bolster C.R.C.T. scores for the benefit of financial rewards associated with high test scores,” says the indictment. Hall, who has previously denied being aware of any cheating, got hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses over the years thanks to the improving test scores. View 1 more image My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 13% Hilarious 4% Intriguing 46% Depressing 23% Brilliant 7% Scary 8% Ridiculous