The state of Maryland has hired a company to evaluate graduation rates in Prince George’s County Public Schools after allegations that teachers and principals have inflated grades and ignored students’ absences in order to boost the graduation rate.

The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a contract to the D.C. company Alvarez & Marsal, the department announced Tuesday. The company will begin an audit immediately, the department said.

Gov. Larry Hogan requested earlier this summer that the state education department investigate possible wrongdoing.

“Ensuring that all Maryland children have access to a world-class education is a top priority of my administration, and I am deeply troubled by these allegations regarding one of our school systems, which have now been brought to my attention by multiple sources,” Hogan wrote in a June 25 letter to State Board of Education Board President Andrew Smarick.

Prince George’s county Map highlighted in yellow color is a unique County with chances for success with proper accountability and transparency.

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