Dozens of educators step down amid cheating scandal | Schools

ATLANTA -- Interim Superintent Erroll Davis says the number of teachers and principals who have either resigned or retired in the wake of the CRCT cheating scandal is higher than previously thought.

"The number we are dealing with now is down to 130s, 140s," Davis told parents during a townhall meeting at Garden Hills Elementary in Buckhead Thursday night.

He had given the 178 teachers, principals and staff implicated in the state's cheating investigation until 5 p.m. Wednesday to resign or face termination.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: CRCT Cheating Investigation

Davis said those who did not step down will not be in front of children when the school year begins.

Earlier Thursday, Davis met with Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard about how to deal with the accused educators.

The interim superintendent said those who are exonerated will be welcomed back to their jobs.