San Diego Unified Principal leaves after molestation claim

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Amid allegations of peer molestation and after a claim was filed by a parent against the San Diego Unified School District, Green Elementary School Principal Bruce Ferguson has stepped down from his position.

A legal claim was filed against SDUSD by the mother of the victim, a special needs student, who was reportedly molested in a bathroom stall in May of 2014.

The mother and her then seven-year-old daughter, who suffers from a vocal chord injury and is unable to yell, reported the sequence of events the following day after the incident to Ferguson and were assured that he would handle the situation.

Green Elementary School parents received an email on Tuesday from Ferguson, with details behind his stepping down and alerting them that the claim was being fully investigated.

In the letter, Ferguson stated that, “There has been a claim filed against the school, and while neither the school nor the district can comment on specifics, I want to assure you that the claim – involving a confidential student matter – is being looked into thoroughly.  It is important to let the investigation process run its course without speculation.  I did want you to learn about this story from me first, rather than see it on the news.”

He would also address his sudden leave in the note, “While the timing of the following information is not optimal, I wanted to let you know that I will be taking a leave to address some personal issues, and will not be returning to Green Elementary for the remainder of this school year.  I am not able to provide details but do appreciate your understanding and patience knowing I have some matters to attend to and the district is kind enough to allow me the time to do so.  Our Area Superintendent, Sofia Freire, who many of you have met, will work to ensure an experienced interim principal is assigned to Green to close out the school year.  She will be holding some informational meetings to keep you informed.”