DALLAS — Another Dallas Independent School District teacher is going public with allegations of forced grade-changing for a star athlete.

While reluctant to speak out, Stephen Wilson said he felt he needed to come forward after witnessing grade-changing over the last year at Roosevelt High School. He also said that retaliation by his bosses has become so severe that he felt speaking out might protect himself and ensure that grade-changing for athletes is stopped.

Vincent McNeil wasn't just quarterback for his Roosevelt football team this year; he was practically the whole offense — a scoring machine who both rushed and passed his team into the state playoffs.

But according to Wilson, Vincent probably shouldn't have been on the team. "This student was not coming to class — at all," Wilson said. "Out of the six weeks of school — the first six weeks which consists of approximately 30 days — he may have shown up three to five days total."

Wilson said Vincent was in his Engineering Graphics class last fall and was failing the first six weeks with a grade of 60.

John F. Rhodes / DMN

Vincent McNeil runs past a defender in a game last November.

Wilson said Vincent was about to be declared ineligible for football when he was approached by Assistant Principal Anthony Jefferson with a "grade correction form."

"Mr. Jefferson brought the form to my classroom and stated that Ms. Dixon was waiting on the form, and that we need to change the grade," Wilson said.

The "Ms. Dixon" Jefferson was referring to, Wilson said, was Myrtle Jean Dixon, the school's principal.

Buckling to pressure, Wilson said he agreed to change the failing grade of 60 to a 70, providing that Vincent started showing up for class.

Principal Dixon signed off on the change.

But Wilson said Vincent continued to be a no-show, so he changed the grade back to a 60. At that point, Wilson said Vincent was mysteriously removed from his class.

"He attempted to transfer, but I refused to sign the form," Wilson said.

Wilson's assertion of special treatment of athletes at Roosevelt was supported by former English teacher Melinda Johnson earlier this year. Johnson said four coaches and the school's vice principal approached her asking for grade changes. Johnson said she refused to make the changes.

Both Johnson and Wilson say this kind of intimidation is rampant at Roosevelt High School.

More than 20 teachers at the school have met several times with DISD administrators regarding the alleged mistreatment of teachers by the principal and her assistants.

"Two teachers who were outspoken were recommended for termination," said Aimee Bolender of Alliance AFT, the teachers' union. "One teacher received notice that the principal did not recommend her certification. Another teacher was pushed by the principal."

Bolender said the harassment is well documented, and called the district's response to date not acceptable. "Swift action should have been taken from the very beginning and that didn't happen," she said.

A lack of action is especially bad for whistleblowers like Wilson, whose job for next year is being eliminated by the principal he complained about.

"It seems to me as if the administrative staff at Roosevelt High School seems to care more about student athletes than the teachers," Wilson said.

News 8 attempted to contact Dixon and other school officials, but those calls were not returned.

There is no indication that the student athlete, Vincent McNeil, played any role in the alleged improper grade-changing.

Wilson said he blew the whistle to DISD investigators about the forced grade change five months ago, but is frustrated by the lack of response.

The investigation also includes allegations that office workers at Roosevelt were pressured to fabricate absentee and transfer records.

While DISD declined comment, officials insisted their investigation is progressing.

E-mail bshipp@wfaa.com