Woodland principal takes deal in assault case
LONGVIEW, Wash. — A man who was principal of a school in the Cowlitz County town of Woodland for 15 years agreed to a diversion deal to avoid prosecution on allegations he used excessive force against a 9-year-old special needs student.
Under the deal reached Tuesday in Cowlitz District Court, Mark Houk must take anger management treatment.
The 50-year-old principal of Woodland Primary School was arrested in April for investigation of assault. He was accused of grabbing, shoving or holding the student in three confrontations over a year.
Woodland School Superintendent Michael Green told The Daily News Houk will remain on administrative leave until January when a hearing will determine whether he should be fired.
