PB school lead gets 30-day suspension

The Pine Bluff School Board voted Monday night to suspend Superintendent Linda Watson for 30 days with pay.

When reached by phone by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette after the School Board meeting, Watson said she had no comment on the decision until she speaks with her attorney.

“I just think this is part of the witch hunt to get me, so I need to speak with my attorney,” she said.

Watson said she did not recall how board members voted but that the vote took place in open session.

Watson said last week that she would not seek a new contract to run the district after her current one expires June 30, 2016.

Watson, formerly Little Rock School District superintendent from 2007 until early 2011, was hired in June 2012.

Watson’s salary is $150,000 per year.