STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) A lawyer for Stamford High School principal Donna Valentine says she will fight a recommendation that she be fired.

Valentine served as principal when police say English teacher Danielle Watkins had sex with one of her students and provided him and another boy with marijuana.

Superintendent Winifred Hamilton recommended Valentine's dismissal, accusing her of failing to report suspicions about Watkins to state officials and police.

Attorney Mark Sherman tells The Advocate newspaper that Valentine will request a hearing by an impartial arbitrator, who would make a recommendation on her employment to the Board of Education. If the board votes to fire Valentine, she can appeal the decision in state Superior Court.

Valentine pleaded not guilty Oct. 2 to criminal charges of failing to alert authorities.