Isaac Atkins

A press release issued by the Greene County Board of Education,  announced that former school superintendent Isaac Atkins has filed a suit in federal court against the school board. “Nearly nine months after termination, Former Greene County School Superintendent Isaac Atkins filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of the United States District Court Western Division,” said Leo Branch, President of the Greene County Board of Education.  “We thought this issue was behind us but it isn’t. However, we cannot allow this lawsuit or anything else to slow the tremendous progress being made in the Greene County School System.”

The lawsuit was filed in Birmingham, Alabama March 27, 2012 by Atkins. It alleges breach of contract, denial of due process, violation of freedom of speech and other allegations. Atkins was terminated as Superintendent in August of 2011 after a hearing on 11 charges. The Board found merit in 10 of the 11 charges. Hank Sanders, attorney for the Greene County School Board said, “This is basically a lawsuit concerning a superintendent’s contract. In my opinion, it is not a federal case. No lawsuit should have been filed but since one has been filed, it should have been in the Greene County Circuit Court. On behalf of the Board, I will file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit or to have it moved to the Greene County Circuit Court where it should be.”

Branch said, “We are building a new high school for our children.  There is a good spirit in our school system. Things are moving for the better and we want to keep them moving forward. We have been fair to Mrs. Atkins and she is still employed with school system as an administrator. We will not dwell on this lawsuit. In fact, our attorney has asked us not to discuss it with anyone because it is in litigation. We will follow his advice and keep moving forward.”

Atkins was discharged for cause from her duties as superintendent in

August, 2011. The Board’s media release at that time stated that:  “The cause is based upon breach of Superintendent  Employment Contract, neglect of duty, unprofessional conduct and performance of acts that substantially inhibit ability to discharge duties as superintendent.”

Atkins’ attorney, John D. Saxon, issued a statement saying that,”We allege that Supt. Atkins was wrongfully removed from office; that her contract was breeched by the board and that her due process rights were wrongfully violated.

“We believe she will be vindicated by the federal courts and expect her one day to be reinstated to her position as Superintendent.”