Fired Principal Sues For $3 Million

A former Bonner County principal has filed a $3 million lawsuit against the school district, saying he was wrongfully fired.

Steve Johnson, who was principal at Southside Elementary, filed the lawsuit in District Court on Tuesday.

Along with suing the district, Johnson also named former Superintendent Gary Barton and five former school board members.

Johnson, who lives in Sagle, spoke out in 1993 against district policies on achievement testing and accused board members of intimidating teachers.

He claims his remarks resulted in an unfair evaluation, a demotion to a teaching post and ultimately his firing. Johnson also claims his First Amendment rights to free speech were violated.

Last year, the school board rejected a tort claim in which Johnson made similar accusations.

Johnson is now seeking $3 million for emotional distress, economic loss and punitive damages.