Farid Johnson

The Pelham Union Free School District agreed to pay former Siwanoy elementary school principal Farid Johnson $159,310 as part of an agreement struck with him in June, according to a document disclosed by the district in response to a freedom of information request.

The 11-page document, a “stipulation of agreement” between Johnson and the district, outlined the general scope of the deal struck between the the district and the former principal in late June, as school officials were trying to close the books on the 2024-25 academic year.

In March the district informed Siwanoy parents that Johnson was on a “leave of absence” from his position at the school, without providing any further detail. Former Siwanoy principal Susan Kramer-Gilbert stepped into the job on an interim basis for the remainder of the school year.

The stipulation does not delve into any issues related to the leave of absence or shed any further light on the circumstances around Johnson’s departure.

His resignation came a year after he achieved two significant career milestones. In March of 2024, he was named New York’s top elementary school principal by the School Administrators of New York State. Months later, he was granted tenure by the district.

The stipulation of agreement does refer to two related documents. One, “Exhibit A,” is described as Johnson’s resignation letter.  The other, “Exhibit B,” is described as a letter of reference provided by the school district to Johnson as part of his resignation agreement. The district did not provide either document as part of its disclosure.

To view the document, click here: Farid Johnson stipulation of agreement