Teacher charged in grade scheme

COLTS NECK — A woman who taught social studies at Colts Neck High School has been charged with theft by deception in connection with an alleged scheme to charge students in return for extra credit points.

In a press release issued Aug. 31, Colts Neck police said the teacher, Megan Laboy, collected more than $1,400 during the 2008-09 school year through the scheme.

Police said Laboy allegedly told students the money they paid to her would be donated to charity and that the students would receive extra credit points on final grades and exams. The money collected by the teacher was never turned over to any charity, police reported.

Laboy resigned from her teaching position in the Freehold Regional High School District, of which Colts Neck High School is a member, on May 18 for personal reasons. Her resignation was effective July 1.

According to public information posted online, Laboy has a bachelor’s degree, six years of teaching experience, and her salary for the 2008-09 school year was $65,195.

The Colts Neck Police Department began investigating the matter on June 4 and interviewed more than 100 students and staff members in regard to the matter.