UPDATE: Investigation reveals details of bullying complaint regarding former WFPS principal

WEST FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Freedom Elementary’s principal is out of his contract with West Fargo Public Schools.

Last week, the school board unanimously voted to release Jeffry Johnson from his contract and authorize the Superintendent to execute a separation agreement with him. He’s been the principal of Freedom Elementary since the school opened 10 years ago.

On October 17, families were notified that Johnson would be out for an ‘undetermined amount of time’. It’s noted in the investigation report that Johnson wanted the messaging to be that he was out for physical and mental health reasons. The report reveals he was actually placed on paid administrative leave earlier that day.

Among several themes related to bullying, it is noted in the investigation that Johnson is alleged to have been “more physical than necessary or allowable with learners”, at one point allegedly pulling a student by the arm and grabbing a student off of a table. The word “manhandling” was used in several interviews. Amy Petersen is serving as interim principal.