The Weld County RE-3J School District board decided on Wednesday to not renew the contract for Donald Frenzen, principal of the Keenesburg school, district Superintendent Susie Townsend said in a statement. She added that the district would not discuss the decision because it's a confidential personnel matter.

"Today students wanted an opportunity to speak in support of the principal," Townsend said. "They gathered in the commons area to do so. Students are now back in class completing their last day of school."

Students told 7NEWS said they peacefully gathered in the indoor common area, which is at the center of the school.

Some students stood up and spoke about why they opposed Frenzen's departure.

Frenzen was at the school, but students said that aside from observing the protest from afar, he did not get involved.

Students said they refused to take their last final examinations, but added that they were "nice" and there was no yelling.

The students said school district board members arrived and tried to explain why they let Frenzen go. Board members told students they could not say much, because of the confidentiality of the personnel action.

Students still refused to return to class.

Then Weld County sheriff's deputies arrived and told students if they didn't return to class, they would be cited for trespassing, according to students.

The students said they all got up and quietly went back to class.