SIMI VALLEY : Charges Are Filed Against Ex-Principal

The Ventura County district attorney’s office has filed a misdemeanor charge of lewd conduct against former Simi Elementary School Principal Brian Douglas Ross, who was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month.

Ross, 48, was arrested on Dec. 16 for allegedly grabbing the crotch of an undercover male sheriff’s deputy in a Thousand Oaks park. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

In the meantime, district officials say they have offered Ross’ job to Barbara Patten, a Camarillo resident who is now vice principal of Franklin Elementary School in Santa Barbara. The Simi Valley Unified School District board is expected to approve a contract with Patten at its meeting on Tuesday.

Sheriff’s officials notified the school district of Ross’ arrest on Jan. 11, and he was placed on paid leave the next day. Unless charges are dropped, Ross will be placed on unpaid leave after his arraignment next month, district officials said.

Supt. Robert Purvis said state law mandates that the district place Ross on leave because he was arrested on suspicion of a sex crime. His charge carries a maximum six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

If Ross is found not guilty, Purvis said, the school board could either place him in another job at the district or ask state education officials to revoke his credentials.