The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board voted unanimously Friday to fire Bayou Meto Elementary Principal Lindsey Jones, a move that followed weeks of anger over how the school handled allegations that a custodian sexually assaulted students. The decision came at the end of a special meeting that stretched nearly five hours and drew parents, staff and district leaders.
Board Vote and District Options
Before the vote, Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Owoh had reportedly offered Jones a choice: resign and receive paid administrative leave through June 30, 2026, or face termination. The board opted for termination, according to THV11. Jones had already been placed on administrative leave late last year, and she has filed an appeal of the board’s action, the station reports.
Background: How the Controversy Began
The firestorm began after the arrest of 44-year-old custodian Harold Butchart, who was taken into custody on October 31 on charges that include second-degree sexual assault and harassment involving first- and second-grade students, local reporting shows. The arrest prompted district officials to review reporting practices and to provide refresher mandatory-reporting training at the school.
Parents Pushed for Answers
Parents filled a special board meeting in December that lasted for hours as they demanded accountability and clearer communication from district leaders, as reported by KARK. In response to mounting pressure from families, the district later announced a Parental Advisory Committee designed to increase transparency and direct communication between parents and administrators, according to local coverage.
Jones Speaks, Appeals Termination
Jones told the board she had directed staff to report the custodian’s behavior, that she continued to communicate with families while on leave, and that she believed resigning would preserve her contract benefits through June, according to THV11. At the December public meeting she acknowledged, “This might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done,” and district records show she has initiated an appeal of the termination decision.
Legal Status
The criminal case involving the former custodian remains with law enforcement and prosecutors, and court filings show charges have been filed. Local outlets have reported that the sheriff’s office referred the case to the prosecutor for review. District officials have said they cannot release law-enforcement reports but will work with families and social-services agencies as required by state law.
What the District Says Is Next
School leaders told reporters they are reviewing policies on reporting, surveillance retention and staff training in the wake of the incident. They have also promised to meet with any family who believes their child was impacted. District officials say they hope the Parental Advisory Committee can help rebuild trust and create a steady channel for feedback between families and the board.
