Assistant principal under investigation

At Westborough High School, more than 85 percent of sophomores are proficient in math and English on the MCAS test. At Durfee High in Fall River, only 30 percent of 10th graders score that high on English, and 43 percent on math.

Dorothy Niechwadowicz, an assistant principal at Durfee, moved her daughter 60 miles from Westborough to Durfee, and Cassandra won a state college scholarship for scoring in the top 25 percent in the school district in January. After one semester, the student moved back to Westborough with the Adams Scholarship, which guaranteed four years of tuition at a public school.

But this week, the state rescinded the scholarship. And now, Niechwadowicz is not working at Durfee High.

Fall River schools superintendent Nicholas Fischer said yesterday that Dorothy Niechwadowicz was under investigation, but would not comment on her employment status.

Callers to her office were told she would be gone for the rest of the year.

``I have said that what has happened raises ethical issues," Fischer said. ``As educators, we have a responsibility to set and model high ethical standards."

The Department of Education withdrew the scholarship when it learned about her transfers this week.

``We rescinded it because it became clear that the way she was awarded the scholarship was not the way the scholarship was meant to be awarded," said Heidi Perlman, a spokeswoman for the department. ``Our expectation is not that students will keep switching schools until they can qualify. It is unfortunate that the student has to be impacted here."

Niechwadowicz could not be reached for comment yesterday, but has denied any wrongdoing. She has said her daughter transferred to Durfee High to take an advanced placement class unavailable at Westborough High.

Anne Towle, superintendent of Westborough Public Schools, said the district offers advanced classes, but that it was possible the student didn't meet the strict requirements and recommendations required to take the course.

``Our school is very competitive," Towle said. ``Students attend the top schools in the nation."

Maria Sacchetti of the Globe staff contributed to this report.