Former teacher sues to get job back

POCOLA, Okla. (AP) -- A teacher fired by the Pocola School Board after a shoplifting arrest has gone to court to try to win her job back. <br><br>Teresa Ann Catsavis, 44, filed a lawsuit in LeFlore County

Thursday, April 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

POCOLA, Okla. (AP) -- A teacher fired by the Pocola School Board after a shoplifting arrest has gone to court to try to win her job back.

Teresa Ann Catsavis, 44, filed a lawsuit in LeFlore County District Court. She said the board did not have grounds to fire her. Catsavis was dismissed by the board April 4.

She earlier pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor theft of property after taking about $2,300 worth of merchandise from stores at the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville, Ark., just before Christmas.

Her sentence called for a day in jail with credit for time served, one year probation, $650 in restitution and $150 in court costs. She also was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and continue counseling.

She has been a teacher for 20 years.