Former School Librarian Files Lawsuit

BENTONVILLE — A former school librarian is suing the Gentry School District for her termination in connection with money collected at a book fair.

Little Rock attorney Greg Alagood filed the lawsuit in Benton County Circuit Court on Monday on behalf of Elizabeth Newlun. Newlun was the librarian at the Gentry Intermediate School. She was responsible for the book fair, according to court documents.

The lawsuit states Newlun was $415 short on money given to the school secretary. Newlun told the administration there were two teachers who owed money for purchases but later admitted she owed the $415 for items she purchased on credit, according to the lawsuit.

She later paid the money she owed for the material, according to the lawsuit. Newlun received a letter of reprimand in November from the school principal because of her mishandling money and dishonesty, according to the lawsuit. Randy Barrett, school superintendent, notified Newlun in writing March 4 he was recommending her contract be terminated, according to the complaint.

The board upheld Barrett’s decision after an April 11 hearing, according to court documents.

The lawsuit claims Newlun’s termination amounted to being punished twice for the same offense since she also had received a reprimand.

“As superintendent of the school district, I certainly respect the right of any employee to seek redress for what they believe to be a wrongful action,” Barrett said. “Because it is an ongoing issue, I will offer no other comment until the matter is concluded.”

The case is assigned to Circuit Judge John Scott.

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