Former Bear Creek Elementary Principal Matt Montoya is suing the Bend-La Pine School District.
Montoya was fired last September. He is accusing the district of race discrimination and the denial of due process. The Bend Bulletin reports Montoya was placed on administrative leave in June after Superintendent Ron Wilkinson recommended termination based on a "failure to complete required staff observations." Montoya was fired a few weeks later. Court documents claim the District failed to follow policy in issuing the dismissal and argues Montoya was treated differently than other employees. School Board Chairwoman Cheri Helt defended the board's decision, saying they were "satisfied there was no discrimination on the part of Bend-La Pine Schools."