Ex-middle school principal sues district over termination

Rhonda Hall, a former principal at Little Rock School District’s Mabelvale Middle School, recently filed suit against the district in circuit court in Pulaski County.

She is seeking reinstatement to her job, back pay, restoration of benefits and attorney costs.

Hall was fired from the district in August by Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key, acting on a recommendation from the state-controlled district’s Community Advisory Board and district leaders.

Earlier, in June, Hall was put on paid leave by the district pending investigation of a January “altercation” between Hall and a student that happened while Hall was reportedly breaking up a fight.

Hall also was charged with misdemeanor assault in the incident, court records state.

Initial reports to police said Hall was punched in the face while breaking up a fight and there was no mention of an adult striking a student. Later, a “video of a video” appeared to show an adult woman throwing a punch at a student, district officials said in June.

The lawsuit was assigned to Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen.