So is having a spelling error on your diploma a big deal? Or are you content that a new one will be mailed to you?

The issue is much bigger than a spelling error. To have this type of error in this day and age is completely unacceptable. There is something called 'spell check' that could have been run against the text to prevent the error. Failure #1. Compound this by the fact that somewhere in that document's approval process a member of County BOE signed off it as being acceptable. Failure #2.

Just as sad is the 2012 BHS yearbook. I uploaded a PDF of a copy of the 'prelude' from the yearbook (p. 3) but it is not showing up on this site. It has grammar and spelling errors and the gist of the message is horrible. Let's not even talk about the pages dedicated to 'tattoos and piercings'

I'd be annoyed beyond words at such an error on a permanent document. At least PGCPS & the vendor are stepping up to rectify the situation.

I agree with Sharp Shooter (as usual). Where are the "educators"? Who approved this at the school board or County level? How could this be acceptable? In the real world, at a real job, that error would be grounds for termination. Also, the county has a print shop, or did. Is it really cheaper to outsource printing diplomas, and if so, what does that say about county pay scales and costs?

I just read the Washington Post article on this story. The diplomas were printed in Fairfax County, SHIPPING costs were paid too. The County can't print the diplomas themselves? And why couldn't a local print shop be used- you know, keep what little money the County has within the County? SHIPPING?!?! Is the school board so insulated on costs and oversight of administrative affairs there is no accountability? Your tax dollars supporting Fairfax County, one of the richest in the country. Does anybody care?

You know, that's a good point, Tea L. The company is based in Fairfax - I wonder if there is diploma vendor in Prince George's? Anyone know?

The task of printing the certificates was put out to bid. The county BOE made the announcement on o3/16/2012 that National Quality Product won the bid for $22,337.50. You have to go on-site to look at the bids that weren't accepted so at this stage it is unknown if any PG County organizations submitted a bid.

For what it's worth: $22,337.50 = $2.97 per diploma... somebody else can figure out if that's good deal or not.

I'm getting reports from some PGCPS parents and students that they have not been notified by the Board of the spelling errors.

Parents/graduates - have you received notification? If so, when?

I still have not been notified and can't believe the BOE would release a statement that" all parents and/or students had already been Notified !

I'm convinced that no matter what PGCPS does, people will be critical. If they use a vendor in Fairfax County, they will be criticized for not using a local vendor. If they pay a little more to use a local vendor, they will be criticized for not taking the lowest bid. I happen to work in Fairfax County, and I bring home my paycheck to spend in Prince George's County. From the looks of the Wilson Bridge at 5:00pm on any given weekday, I'm sure I'm not the only one.

And then there is criticism that the County didn't print the diplomas themselves. Are the people commenting here printing experts? Does anyone here know if a special printing process or equipment is needed for printing diplomas? Does anyone here know the cost of such printing equipment or what personnel are needed for such printing, etc.? I also imagine that if the diplomas were a low quality because PGCPS printed themselves, people wouldn't be happy with that either. $23k for printing all of the high school diplomas in the county sounds cost effective to me.

This is no doubt an embarrassment for PGCPS. It is most likely not the failure of a single individual. It is more likely a failure of a process - a process that I'm sure is going to change, and a process that will suddenly be under review in other nearby school districts. I'm afraid that some will use this as an indictment on education in the county, and it shouldn't be.

I disagree with you Mr. Neighbor! It is an embarrassment for all people in PGCPS when the superintendent is not accountable for such mistake, its school "spokesperson" states that it knew about it last week and that all students and parents were notified, and it is NOT so. I am a parent of a graduate, and I have yet to be notified in ANY way. So, PGC residents SHOULD demand an apology from the same accountable superintendent, NOT a posted apology on the website dated June 3rd from the vendor...embarrassing, demoralizing, and one more reason why all those responsible SHOULD be held as accountable as the superintendent claims he is. Step Dr. Hite, the buck stops at YOUR door.

PDF from BHS 2012 yearbook is now attached to this article. Personally, this makes the diploma error seem like a non-issue in terms of demoralizing staff and students.

I rec'd that in an email chain that had the principal's response where she did stand up and take responsibility, which was good. The chain also had a response from Vergeana Jacobs (BOE) that the article was being forwarded to BOE super Hite an BOE deputy sup. Coleman-Potter for follow-up/investigation. Been hearing nothing crickets ever since.

Shame, shame, shame. I love how the article says that PG County will ONLY have to pay for the 8,000 diplomas to be mailed. OMG, ONLY???? How much is that going to cost?

Could be way worse, they could have used the word pogrom. What ever it is just high school. Move on!

Agree with frank. I gave that piece of paper two seconds and it hit the my parents pile of recycled newspapers. "High school graduation, so twenty seconds ago".

This is nothing. My co-workers daughter just graduated from high school this week. Not only was the name of the school hand written on every diploma with a large Sharpie, the school also told the kids to write the date on it themselves. Looks as fake as you'd imagine it would.

A new high school diploma for my child will do, PLEASE asap!

As I read all these comments it was very amazing to see how upset everyone is. As of which I would be also if I work so hard to obtain a paper with a misspelled word on it. Well there were some great points made, and honestly it seems everyone is right of their views or statement. Yes, there several printing companies in the county and agree the money should stay within the county. But, there maybe a special printing machine these printing company may not have to do the job. Just a thought!

The BOE and Dr. Hite can assume responsiblity, but the real blame can go to the printing company. Someone said whatever someone do in the County they will basically find fault. I love this County and everything about it, but there are a lot of people to blame. Let start with the Print Company, Dr. Hite, BOE, and middle management/county employees, and PARENTS, That's right I said parents because they are so caught up in the moment to even look at what their child dipolma even says. it took a student from my old high school to notice this error says a lot about all the adults. This is not cause for someone to be fired maybe demoted or written up. This County is turning more and more into a Crab in a basket ready to pull something down at the last minute. Here's a trure question I've been at several community meeting and school board meetings; whereas, I know I have not seen majority of 8,000 graduate parents in attendance. So, on this one all the adults are at blame!

Come on folks. While the typo is unacceptable, we need to focus on the many things PG Schools are doing better. See, e.g., the two Washington Post articles about the schools this week. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/pr-georges-freshmen-finish-first-year-of-high-school-and-college/2012/06/11/gJQAs6ApUV_story.htm and lhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/baker-forms-panel-to-improve-school-system/2012/06/12/gJQAd9DRYV_story.html