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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Superintendent of the Rochester Public Schools system issued an apology today.

In a letter distributed to teachers and other staff members, Michael Munoz acknowledged plagiarizing a Thanksgiving letter that was sent to the school district's staff last week to express gratitude for their extraordinary efforts during the pandemic. He termed it a "bad choice" that has damaged the staff's respect and trust in him.

Munoz did not offer an explanation for the use of the unattributed work of others in the letter. Instead, he indicated he was taught by his father to "own up to your mistake" and "trying to explain what led me to do this would come across as making excuses."

The superintendent went on to say that he is "committed to rebuild your confidence and trust in me every single day," and he will learn of the mistake. The entire letter is posted below.

Dear RPS Staff,

I want to say I am really sorry that I made the bad choice that I did to plagiarize the Thanksgiving letter that was sent to you last week. I know by doing this I have damaged your respect and trust in me. I know this behavior is not acceptable and minimizes my intent to tell you that I understand that last Spring and this school year have been very challenging for all of you and let you know that I truly do appreciate everything that all of you are doing to meet the needs of all our students and families and supporting each other. I know it has been difficult to balance work, family and the pandemic and but you manage to go above beyond every single day.

 

I was taught by my father to own up to your mistake and I am doing that now. It was wrong what I did and trying to explain what led me to do this would just come across as making excuses and I don’t want to do that. I can tell you that I am committed to rebuild your confidence and trust in me every single day. I will learn from this mistake and be a better leader and person moving forward.

 

Again, I am sorry for putting all of you through this and I hope with time you will be able to trust me again.

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