BATESVILLE, Ark.—Former Batesville School District Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald has filed a federal lawsuit against the school district and School Board President Scott Fredericks, claiming her termination violated her constitutional rights.
The lawsuit, filed on July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas Northern Division, alleges McDonald was fired without cause after being suspended without pay. The suit, initiated by the Law Office of Jodi Cole in Alpine, Texas, accuses district officials of denying McDonald a fair and impartial process while publicly sharing false and damaging claims against her.
According to the court filing, McDonald was accused of failing to investigate and report instances of child abuse and ethical violations during her tenure. McDonald contends that these allegations were false and that she was not allowed a meaningful opportunity to address them.
“Dr. McDonald made repeated requests for production of evidence,” the lawsuit stated. “School district representatives provided incomplete production, immediately prior to Dr. McDonald’s termination hearing.”
The suit further claims that when McDonald requested a postponement to review late-submitted evidence and gather missing information, the school district denied her request. McDonald alleges this deprived her of her rights under the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
McDonald, who seeks declaratory and injunctive relief along with compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees, is also asking for a “name-clearing hearing” and an order preserving the status quo.
The situation began in February when McDonald was placed on administrative leave after Batesville Police received reports of alleged abuse at a Batesville preschool. By May, the school board had recommended her termination. Charges were later filed in June against three individuals connected to the alleged abuse. On July 30, the school board officially voted to terminate McDonald’s contract and named David Campbell as the interim superintendent.
Neither the school district nor Fredericks has released public comments on the lawsuit at this time.