Raymond principal on administrative leave; district investigating conduct

RAYMOND, Wis. - Raymond's school superintendent placed its principal on administrative leave, as it investigates his conduct, just hours after the school board issued a preliminary notice it would possibly not renew the principal's contract. His attorney has threatened to sue, alleging the board is discriminating against Peterson because he is gay.

Teachers say Raymond Superintendent Michael Garvey walked Principal Jeff Peterson out of the building on Thursday. 

FOX6 News obtained the letter Superintendent Garvey gave to Peterson. It says Peterson is placed on administrative leave as the district investigates "allegations that you engaged in misconduct while performing your job for the district."

The principal's attorney, Ben Hitchcock Cross, tells FOX6 News, "It is impossible for Mr. Peterson to respond to a non-accusation, although the fact that this letter comes just weeks after Mr. Peterson threatened to file a discrimination claim, the annual meeting at which the citizens instructed the board not to discriminate and the continued public opposition to the board, speaks for itself."

The board said a third party will investigate the concerns about conduct. Superintendent Garvey did not get back to FOX6 News about what the exact concerns are, nor did he respond to a request for an interview.

The principal's lawyer said Peterson intends to cooperate with the investigation – and expects to be exonerated. But, Hitchcock Cross adds that Peterson is saddened to be separated from the students and building he loves. His abrupt departure is also saddening parents and students.

"I think that’s terrible. He’s like the best principal I’ve ever had," said Olivia, an eighth grader. "He’s just always paying attention and making sure the students are all happy and getting what they need. And he goes above and beyond for everyone. He’s just amazing."

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In August, Peterson, through his attorney, threatened a possible lawsuit for discrimination based on Peterson's sexuality.

Jeff Peterson

The school board countered with a statement Thursday: "Any notion that the school district or its board members would tolerate any discrimination, including that which is based on sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification, is ridiculous and extremely disappointing."

The board met Wednesday, requiring those attending the meeting to watch over Zoom, citing threats received. FOX6 News obtained a threatening letter sent to one board member. The board went into closed session to discuss Peterson, but then returned to the open session. 

They voted 4-1 to issue a "a preliminary notice of contract non-renewal to Jeff Peterson pursuant to Wisconsin statutes based on Jeff’s performance, as reflected in his personnel file." That contract runs through 2025. 

Parents packed into the school to watch the meeting over Zoom, many of them holding signs supporting Peterson and urging the board to keep him as principal.

"There’s items that seem to point to a politically-motivated agenda for the board and I think Mr. Peterson doesn’t fit that mold. And so they’re willing to do what they need to remove him," said Mitchell Berman, who has a kindergartner at Raymond School.

The rest of the week, Raymond is on a modified lockdown. No visitors are allowed inside. The superintendent said it is out of "an abundance of caution" due to possible disruptions – and not because of threats to students. 

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At the school board meeting, Racine County sheriff's deputies arrested a Racine man on allegations of making terrorist threats. A police report described a witness claiming the arrested man threatened to kill another person's cows and then upon learning the person didn't have cows, then threatened to burn down that other person's farm, according to the claim, as found in the police report. The police report, obtained by FOX6, said the person arrested denied making the threat. Instead, he said he was being mocked for holding up a sign in support of the principal and only said an expletive at the other person, not a threat.