Ferris assistant principal under investigation; placed on paid leave

Ferris High School’s assistant principal, Todd Bender, is on paid administrative leave pending completion of an unspecified criminal investigation, officials confirmed today. The Spokane Police Department confirmed Wednesday evening that Bender is the subject of a criminal investigation. Police spokeswoman Monique Cotton said she could only confirm that an investigation is underway and wouldn’t disclose the nature of the allegations or whether any students might be involved. Spokane Public Schools spokesman Kevin Morrison said that Bender was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday night. “I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation,” Morrison said.