Brian Vollhardt, Wolters Elementary School principal charged after shoving special needs student to the ground

According to local authorities and court documents, a former principal in California was charged on September 7th, with a misdemeanor for “cruelty to a child by endangering health” after he was shown on video pushing a student with special needs to the ground.

The Fresno Unified School District revealed security footage earlier this week showing Brian Vollhardt, the now-retired principal of Wolters Elementary School, shoving an unnamed 11-year-old student to the ground in June while he and other staff members were working with the “upset pupil.” The student’s face has been blurred, and there is no audio in the video.

Prior to Vollhardt pushing the student in the video, the student makes two finger-pointing motions toward the former principal. What before the incident is unclear.

Ann Frank, who is the child’s legal guardian, claimed that the case languished at police headquarters until she protested about the lack of charges two weeks ago. She said that it took the school district three months to show her the footage.

“You cannot put force to these kids like that,” Frank said. “My son is autistic. Any parents seeing this video, know what I’m feeling right now. My son was pushed with force by this principal who was supposed to protect him.”

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Vollhardt claims the boy was ‘getting in his face’ and had made fists and pressed them against him, causing the man to shove the kid.

On June 8, once the district was made aware of the incident, Vollhardt was placed on administrative leave, according to Nelson. The district also informed Child Protective Services and Fresno Police.

Before the district’s inquiry was finished, Vollhardt submitted his resignation.

Later, Vollhardt was employed by the Golden Plains Unified School District as a vice principal. The superintendent of the school district, Martin Marcias, stated Vollhardt has been placed on administrative leave since the school system learned about the event on Wednesday.

Last known contact information

Address: 1278 W San Jose Ave Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: (559) 307-8153
Email: blv7@yahoo.com

Court Information

Case #: M22908447