Process over with Watkins signing


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:05 PM MST


Larry Blaskey
The Daily Dispatch


The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board officially accepted the resignation of former Huber Middle School Principal George Watkins when he signed a settlement agreement Friday.

The board approved the agreement on Thursday afternoon after a 35-minute executive session by a 4-1 vote with member Danny Ortega providing the dissenting vote.

 The board continued the subject of Watkin’s resignation from a meeting the previous day. They discussed the matter in a 55-minute executive session during a Wednesday, January 16, meeting but failed to come to a final decision and recessed the meeting until Thursday.

Watkins had been accused of misappropriation of funds in two separate sets of charges.

According to the settlement, the district will not continue to pursue disciplinary action, but it does not preclude the district or its insurers from seeking civil action.

Watkins cannot file grievances against the school or district as a result of this action, and it does not preclude the filing of any criminal charges by law enforcement agencies against Watkins.

The Douglas Police Department said they are still pursuing an independent investigation of the charges.

Neither party is entitled to legal fees

The district also agreed to provide a neutral letter of recommendation and will pay Watkins through January 16, 2008.

A copy of the settlement agreement will be available on line at www.douglasdispatch.com this afternoon.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    a parent wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:19 PM:

    " I don't care what anyone says Mr. Watkins was great at his job & with the children; there are much worse situations going on in the district..... maybe the board should look into the ways some people (nurses assistants) are harming children & take care of them! Isn't the district supposed to spend thier time making things better for the children or is worring what envelope money is in more important! "

    Diana P., Tempe, AZ wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:14 PM:

    " I grew up in Douglas, and went to school with Gail Zamar, she is an outstanding citizen and Superintendent you should be lucky you have her running the school system. Its sad to say that when something goes wrong in the school system, the finger is always pointing in the wrong direction.
    "

    Heidi Morris wrote on Jan 24, 2008 8:24 AM:

    " I find it hard to believe that this newspaper allows comments from people who don't leave their full name. That does not happen when someone writes a letter to the editor, why is it allowed here? Whether it is positive or negative, have the courage to own up to it. "

    Jane Doe wrote on Jan 23, 2008 1:49 PM:

    " Have you ever thought that Danny Ortega may have wanted to have Mr. Watkins fired? Why is it that you think he wanted to keep him onboard? That's the problem with small towns--everyone always jumps to their own conclusions!! "

    ACCOUNTABILITY wrote on Jan 23, 2008 7:03 AM:

    " I tell you it starts at the top! Audit Zamar's expense reports, telephone records, etc. It is all public information available trhough the Freedom of Information Act. Watkins was her puppet and that is why he got a deal so as to divert from the real problems within the District. You are next Zamar! Please don't retire it is just heating up. Stand up to the TRUTH, it will set you free, but then again it would be a mess! "

    Chuck wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:04 PM:

    " Now, why is Danny Ortega dissenting to keep Mr. Watkins on board? Is it because he might have some of his own skeletons in the closet?
    Surely, the police are not going to let George get off this easy. "

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