West Fargo principal resigns following arrest for having prohibited materials

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A West Fargo elementary school principal has resigned after being arrested Monday night on five counts related to possession of certain prohibited materials.

Thirty-nine-year-old David Preston George was appointed principal of Independence Elementary School in April.

“District administration was informed that Independence Elementary School Principal David George was arrested. While we awaited further information from the investigating entity, Mr. George requested to submit his resignation,” according to an email sent to Independence Elementary families Tuesday morning.

In North Dakota, possession of prohibited materials includes any motion picture, photo or “other visual representation that includes sexual conduct by a minor.”

The school district’s entire letter to parents is below.

“On August 14, 2023, district administration was informed that Independence Elementary School Principal David George was arrested. While we awaited further information from the investigating entity, Mr. George requested to submit his resignation to West Fargo Public Schools.  

We know this news is unexpected and may cause stress for you or your learner(s). We want to assure you that Assistant Principal Kaye Fischer, with additional support from former Independence Principal Mike Shea, and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Rachael Agre, will be available throughout this transition until a more permanent plan is put into place. 

Since this is both a personnel matter and an open investigation with law enforcement, West Fargo Public Schools cannot comment further at this time.”