10:32 AM PST on Friday, February 4, 2005

By kgw.com and AP Staff

HILLSBORO -- Portland School Board member Derry Jackson, arrested earlier this week on accusations that he tried to contact his estranged wife who had a restraining order against him, was released Thursday evening.

KGW photo

PPS board member Derry Jackson talks upon his release from jail.

A friend posted $50,000 bail and Jackson strolled out of the Washington County Jail wearing a sweat-suit just before 5:30 p.m. He described his time behind bars as a "traumatic experience."

"This was all about trying to take care of my son and support him," Jackson told KGW upon his release.

At his court arraignment Tuesday following his arrest, prosecutors said the restraining order violations happened between Dec. 19 and Jan. 31.

According to terms of the restraining order, Derry Jackson can contact his estranged wife, Bernel Jackson, once per day between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to discuss parenting issues. He is prevented from coming within 50 feet of her.

Bernel Jackson sought the order in September, writing that Derry Jackson entered her home in August and left messages on her home and cell phones and letters in her car.

kgw.com/police mugshot

PPS board member Derry Jackson's jail booking photo.

"He told me that if my behavior does not improve, they'll find my body in the Willamette," she wrote in her court petition.

The Jacksons have been married since 1984, according to court records. Derry Jackson filed for divorce Aug. 10.

Jackson's term on the Portland school board expires in June. He has not said if he will seek re-election, but scheduled an announcement for Friday on his future plans.

(KGW reporter Randy Neves contributed to this report.)