MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - In a shocking move to some, Superintendent Kathleen Harris, who's on paid leave, returned to work Wednesday morning. But when she arrived, she found that she was locked out of her office. And now her attorney is taking action.
Kathleen Harris remains on leave as the Monroe City Schools Superintendent. But her and her attorney, James Madison are calling foul on the school board. In a letter e-mailed to KNOE, directed to Monroe School Board Attorney Doug Lawrence, Madison said:
"Continuing to prohibit Dr. Harris from returning to work, even when you continue to pay her, is a blatant breach of her contract, which permits the Board to suspend Dr. Harris only while it is conducting an investigation and then only for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days."
According to this letter, the board's attorney is now saying Harris is on leave with pay, since board members voted to extend her leave of absence. Harris was suspended during an investigation which found 9 charges against her while on the job. Board members voted not to renew Harris' contract, which expires at the end of the year.
The attorney says the only way school leaders can suspend Harris again, is if it's because of specific disciplinary action. Board Member Rodney McFarland believes Harris should return to her normal duties and finish out her contract.
"Some board members, there's just no talking to. They have a made up mind. They have a deaf ear," McFarland said. "They have a closed mind. They do not want to talk about certain things. They have a made up mind that they want to get rid of the superintendent,"
According to that letter, Harris' attorney says they're working on a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief against the school board.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:01:27 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 23:20:46 GMT
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:51:48 GMT
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:23 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:23:16 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:17:15 GMT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
