KIDS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR PRINCIPAL; MOORPARK HIGH IS SITE OF PROTEST OVER DISMISSAL.

Byline: Paul O'Donoghue Daily News Staff Writer

Hundreds of Moorpark High School students demonstrated between classes on Friday to show support for Principal Max Friedman, who has been let go after a year on the job.

The students streamed out of classrooms after the third period and gathered on the quad for a ``silent protest'' that lasted by various accounts between 10 and 30 minutes. They returned to class at Friedman's urging.

Students generally praised Friedman, saying he was strict but fair, and that he tried to get to know as many of them as possible.

``They didn't give him much of a chance,'' said Bryan Baum, 16, a sophomore. ``I'm upset.''

Senior Jeff Brodsly said it's rare for students to demonstrate support for anyone. ``I think it's really neat that everyone showed up to support him,'' he said.

Assistant Principal Mike Agnitch said about 300 students participated in the demonstration. Student estimates ranged higher, with most saying about 400-500 students turned out.

School district officials have been tight-lipped about the reason for Friedman's dismissal.

``I can't talk to you about that, it's a personnel issue and is confidential,'' Superintendent Tom Duffy said.

Friedman said the school board affirmed Duffy's recommendation that his $80,000-a-year contract not be renewed, and that he was unsure of the trustees' reasons for doing so.

``I was terribly shocked,'' Friedman said of the board's unanimous decision.

However, he speculated that he likely was dismissed because he oversaw changes at the school, including a district policy that altered the requirements for students to take honors courses.

Friedman said his options for challenging the dismissal are limited because he is still on probation.

He commended the students for their support for him. ``We try to teach them to express themselves,'' he said.