BREAKING: The Batesville School Board voted Tuesday to place Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into alleged abuse at the district’s preschool. Assistant Superintendent David Campbell has been named interim superintendent.
UPDATE: The district has released a statement from Batesville School Board President Scott Fredericks. See below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Batesville School District is committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
Recently, the Board of Education took action regarding a personnel matter. While we cannot discuss specific details due to confidentiality requirements under state and federal law, we want our families and community members to know that student safety remains our highest priority.
The District has initiated an independent review of the matter to ensure a thorough, objective, and fair process. This review will be conducted by an external party with no affiliation to the district to maintain impartiality.
During this time, district operations will continue as normal. David Campbell, who has been appointed Interim Superintendent, will oversee daily operations and ensure continuity of leadership and services.
We understand that situations like this may raise questions. We appreciate the community’s patience and trust as we allow the independent process to move forward. The District will share additional information when appropriate and legally permissible.
Our focus remains where it belongs — on our students, our staff, and maintaining a safe and positive educational environment.
Sincerely,
Scott Fredricks
President, Board of Education
From Feb. 23: Authorities are investigating allegations of abuse at a Batesville School District preschool, with police preparing to submit the case to prosecutors for review.
In a release from Monday afternoon, the Batesville Police Department said it received three separate reports from the Child Abuse Hotline in early February alleging abuse at the district’s preschool program. The department said an investigation was launched immediately.
Police said several search warrants have been executed and multiple interviews conducted as part of the investigation. Evidence has been collected, reviewed, and processed.
Based on the evidence obtained so far, police are compiling a full case file to submit to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the 16th Judicial District. Prosecutors will determine whether charges are appropriate.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police said no additional details will be released at this time because of legal confidentiality concerns.
In a statement, the Batesville School District said student and staff safety is its top priority and that the district is cooperating with authorities. The district confirmed that the employee involved is no longer employed but said it could not discuss personnel matters due to confidentiality requirements.
Press release from the Batesville Police Department:
In early February 2026, the Batesville Police Department received three separate reports from the Child Abuse Hotline, alleging abuse at the Batesville School District Preschool.
The Department promptly initiated an investigation into these allegations. During the investigation, several search warrants have been executed, and interviews have been conducted, resulting in the collection, review, and processing of evidence.
Based on the current evidence obtained, an entire case file is being prepared to be submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the 16th Judicial District for review. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will determine the appropriate charges to be filed in this matter.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Due to legal confidentiality concerns, no further information will be released at this time.
Statement from the Batesville School District:
The safety and well-being of students and staff is the top priority of the Batesville School District. The district has been and continues to work with the appropriate authorities regarding this matter. The employee involved is no longer employed by the Batesville School District. Due to confidentiality requirements and district policy, personnel matters cannot be discussed. The Batesville School District is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
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