The Office of Inspector General has released a report substantiating serious allegations of misconduct under the former leadership of Sumter County Schools.
The report confirms that the former Superintendent of Schools, Richard A. Shirley and former Assistant Superintendent Deborah Moffitt engaged in systemic falsification of student data by establishing so-called “shell schools” at various campuses across the county dating back to 2016. This deliberate manipulation removed low-performing students from school grade calculations in an attempt to artificially inflate performance metrics.
Additionally, the investigation found that students were withdrawn from their zoned schools and enrolled—without their knowledge or parental consent—in a district-run virtual school under a separate school code. This misrepresentation not only violated the public trust but also deprived students and families of the transparency and choice they rightfully deserve.
Shirley served as Sumter County superintendent for many years before retiring in 2024. His son, Richard Shirley Jr., ran to succeed him, but was defeated by Logan Brown, a teacher at The Villages Charter School.
Superintendent Brown issued the following statement in response to the release of the report:
“This conduct was deceptive, unethical, and completely unacceptable. It is a betrayal of public trust and a gross disservice to the students, families, and educators of Sumter County. We are not in the business of gaming the system—we are in the business of educating children, honestly and equitably.
Since taking office in November, I have made it my mission to rebuild trust within our school district. I want the public to know: this will never happen again under my watch. Transparency is not optional—it is the foundation of effective leadership. Every child in Sumter County deserves an education system that puts their learning and their future first, not one that treats them as data points to be manipulated.
Even before these findings were released, we began implementing strict oversight protocols and internal accountability measures to ensure that all student reporting practices reflect the highest ethical standards moving forward. We will also be fully reviewing enrollment and reporting procedures to guarantee that families are always fully informed and empowered in decisions affecting their child’s education.
I remain committed to restoring the community’s confidence in Sumter County Schools, and I will not shy away from the hard work that must be done to earn and keep your trust.”
Brown added that Sumter County Schools will cooperate fully with any additional inquiries from the Florida Department of Education and has already begun reviewing all related practices districtwide. He said the district is committed to transparency, reform, and putting students first.