Cobble Hill letter to klein - Special Commissioner of Investigation

Hon. J. I. Klein -55- June 26, 2007
• February 25, 2004 – in a letter to George, Nobile claimed that, for the past
two academic years, Capra had systematically directed the changing of
Regents grades during correction sessions in her office. 194 Nobile stated
that he was present at these sessions, but did not take part in changing
grades. 195 He added that exams close to the passing grade of 65 were set
aside. He claimed that the essay and DBQ scores, which allowed for some
subjectivity, were erased and raised to achieve a passing grade.
• March 3, 2004 – at a Step I grievance hearing regarding Capra’s January
6, 2004, letter to Nobile’s file for which he received a “U” rating, Nobile
stated that there was an “understanding” that Capra would not visit his
classroom. George denied Nobile’s grievance and stated “[a]ssuming
arguendo” that there was an “understanding,” neither Nobile nor the
Administration had the authority to make such an arrangement. 196
• March 6, 2004 – Nobile wrote an e-mail to Charles Friedman, UFT
representative, to memorialize a conversation that Nobile and Friedman
had with George, in which they attempted to persuade George not to allow
Capra to observe Nobile. 197
• March 9, 2004 – in a letter to George, Nobile claimed that Capra created
an atmosphere where honest correction was discouraged. 198
• March 24, 2004 – Capra gave Nobile a “U” rating. 199
• March 26, 2004 – in an e-mail message to George, Nobile wrote:
“Clearly, Ms. Capra’s two recent unsatisfactory observations are part of
her plan to drive me out of Cobble Hill and the profession. I predicted this
194 Nobile failed to report any of this alleged activity to SCI. Nobile made this verbal allegation to George
on February 24 th and George instructed Nobile to make his complaint in writing.
195 Teacher Terrence Crosby testified at SCI that Nobile reminded Crosby that Nobile and Crosby had not
been present for the scoring of the Regents.
196 The emphasis was in the original text.
197 Nobile asked Friedman to confirm that George had agreed to monitor Capra’s observations of Nobile, in
part, because Nobile’s wife was ill.
198 Nobile also stated that, in June 2003, he informed Capra that a student had cheated. In June 2003, there
was an e-mail exchange between Nobile and Capra pertaining to that allegation. However, at that time
Nobile did not allege any scoring irregularities.
199 A post-observation conference with Nobile was held on March 25, 2004. The “George letter,” which
indicated that each teacher who signed it had told him that he/she had not witnessed any changing of grades
without re-reading by teachers and that Capra had not ordered teachers to change grades, was dated March
24, 2004.