Ferris assistant principal has resigned

Ferris High School assistant principal Todd Bender has resigned from his position, Spokane Public Schools spokesman confirmed today. Bender is facing two felony counts of child molestation after a teen boy came forward alleging Bender gave the boy alcohol and molested him several times in 2011. The former English teacher and track coach acknowledged having sexual contact with a teenage boy but told investigators the teen initiated the interactions, according to court documents. Bender pleaded not guilty to two charges of child molestation during a brief court appearance Thursday. Spokane Public Schools’ board of directors accepted Bender’s resignation during a special board meeting held on Saturday. Bender had worked at Ferris High School since 1995. His resignation came as district officials had finalized a meeting with Bender to notify him he would be fired, said Superintendent Shelley Redinger. “If he had not resigned, and we could have moved for dismissal and it could have taken much longer,” she said. She added, “His resignation means we can all move forward.”