A significant cheating scandal has been unearthed in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), involving the illegal certification of over 200 teachers. Authorities have charged five individuals, including a high school basketball coach identified as the alleged ringleader, and an assistant principal. The scheme reportedly generated around $1 million by enabling unqualified educators to obtain certifications fraudulently. Investigators claim that those involved aided teaching candidates in cheating on their certification exams, leading to widespread implications across multiple school districts. Bonds have been set for the suspects, and the district attorney has highlighted the gravity of the violation against the integrity of the educational system.