East County

The former principal of two East County elementary schools has filed suit in an attempt to be reinstated to his job after allegations that he molested students.

Bruce Leary, 37, of Pine Valley, filed suit recently against the Commission on Professional Competence, which ordered his dismissal last month on charges of “immoral conduct.” Leary is asking a judge to set aside the commission’s ruling and order him reinstated with the Mountain Empire Unified School District with retroactive salary and benefits. A hearing date has been set for June 18 in San Diego Superior Court.

Leary was principal at Pine Valley and Descanso elementary schools until his suspension on Aug. 22. The three-day hearing before the commission was in January, and their written ruling was issued in March.

The suit alleges that the commission’s ruling was not based on the evidence heard and vagueness of the term “immoral conduct.” The principal was accused of “immoral conduct” with 10 boys at both schools who were in the fourth and sixth grades. The boys said Leary fondled them after they were called into his office. No criminal charges were ever filed.