Former Batesville School District Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald has filed a federal lawsuit against the district and its school board president, alleging violations of her rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. The lawsuit, filed on July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, names both the Batesville School District and School Board President Scott Fredericks as defendants.
In the complaint, McDonald asserts that her due process rights were denied in connection to her suspension and subsequent termination earlier this year. The legal action stems from events surrounding a January incident involving suspected child abuse in a preschool classroom within the district. McDonald claims she was initially placed on paid administrative leave, later moved to unpaid leave, and ultimately terminated without adequate notice or a fair opportunity to present her case.
The lawsuit alleges that key evidence, including surveillance footage and investigative materials related to the child abuse allegations, was not fully disclosed before her termination hearing. McDonald also contends that the school board’s decision relied on an incomplete investigative report. Additionally, McDonald denies accusations that she failed to investigate and report the suspected abuse or that she committed ethical violations, which she claims were falsely leveled against her.
McDonald further alleges breach of contract, stating that her three-year employment agreement was terminated prematurely. As part of her lawsuit, she is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages linked to a defamation claim against Fredericks, reimbursement for attorney’s fees, and a name-clearing hearing.
In a statement released with the filing, McDonald said her focus has always been on fostering safe learning environments for children, adding that she is now advocating to protect the professional reputation she built over decades in education.
The Batesville School District has not yet filed a response to the court regarding the lawsuit. All allegations in the complaint reflect McDonald’s claims and have not yet been tested or proven in court.