A former Batesville School District superintendent has filed a federal lawsuit against the district and its school board president, claiming her termination violated her constitutional and contractual rights.
Dr. Ginni McDonald, who was dismissed following an incident in a district preschool classroom in January 2026, submitted the suit to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Northern Division, on July 31. The lawsuit names the Batesville School District and Board President Scott Fredericks, both individually and in his official capacity, as defendants.
According to the verified complaint, McDonald alleges she was suspended and terminated without appropriate notice or a meaningful opportunity to defend herself, in violation of her Fourteenth Amendment due process rights. The lawsuit claims the district withheld surveillance footage and investigative materials crucial to her defense until her termination hearing. It also asserts the district’s investigative process was biased and omitted material information about her conduct and the actions of other employees.
McDonald was initially placed on paid administrative leave before being shifted to unpaid leave and ultimately terminated. The lawsuit states this progression disregarded her rights as an employee under a three-year Arkansas contract. The complaint further accuses the district and Fredericks of spreading false and damaging allegations that McDonald failed to report child abuse and committed ethical violations, assertions she denies.
"My goal has always been to create safe, successful learning environments for children while strengthening the communities I served," McDonald said in a statement accompanying the filing. She expressed her intention to uncover the truth behind the investigation, including how surveillance evidence was handled.
McDonald seeks multiple forms of relief, including a name-clearing hearing, declaratory and injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, a breach of contract ruling, and reimbursement of attorney's fees. She has also filed a state-law defamation claim against Fredericks individually, seeking additional punitive damages.
The lawsuit stems from a January 2026 classroom investigation during which McDonald says she reviewed partial surveillance footage provided to law enforcement, initiated follow-up inquiries, and cooperated with investigators. She contends she was actively investigating the matter when she was placed on leave.
The Batesville School District has not yet filed a response to the complaint. The allegations represent McDonald’s account and have not been proven in court.
McDonald, who says she remains focused on protecting her reputation, added, “The children, their families, and this Batesville community deserve nothing less than complete transparency.”