The investigators appointed to look into accusations of grade changing in South Bend Schools appear to have found evidence that it has been happening.

At Monday’s school board meeting the investigators presented their findings.

“There has been a changing in grades or credit given that is unlawful because certain individuals may have benefitted from that financially,” said Diane Frothy, one of the investigators, who has a background in financial audits.

She said some of that involved allowing students who had not completed course work to pass anyway.

“The issue appears to be widespread, with at least 2,500 grades for individual courses that appear to have been manipulated in some way over the three years that were reviewed,” she said.

She described the issue as “systemic”.

“Evidence was found at the South Bend high schools and it includes various positions within the schools, with teachers, counselors, administrators across the board.”

No names were named during the meeting and the board has not discussed what action may be taken.