Providence school employee resigns in degree flap

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence school superintendent says an administrator has resigned after it was reported she was hired with an unaccredited degree she bought online.

Superintendent Susan Lusi said late Monday the school department has accepted Nancy Stevenin's resignation. Lusi also said in a statement she has instructed the department's human resources office to check future applicants' credentials against a federal database of accredited programs. WJAR-TV reported on Stevenin's credentials last week.

Lusi had declined to fire Stevenin, saying she was doing a good job, and was being allowed to pursue an accredited degree.

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, a candidate for governor, told WPRO-AM earlier Monday he stood by Lusi's handling of the matter. Republican candidate Ken Block said the city should send a clear message that it's not OK to cheat.

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