Video: School Board Asks Judge to Dismiss Liddell Lawsuit

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The Columbus School District says ousted Superintendent Martha Liddell’s efforts to get her job back through court action are premature and frivolous and should be dropped. The school district filed a motion in Lowndes County Chancery Court today asking a judge to toss Liddell’s lawsuit. The motion says the court doesn’t have jurisdiction because the school board has not held a final hearing on Liddell’s termination as required by law. Liddell has requested such a hearing but a date has not been set. The school board’s motion suggests one or more board members could change their mind based on facts brought out during the hearing.

The board voted 3-2 last month to fire Liddell for misuse of school funds for a personal Christmas party. Shortly after the school board’s vote, Liddell filed suit, asking a judge to issue a temporary injunction reinstating her as superintendent. She claims the school board secretly conspired to oust her. In its motion, the board says Liddell has little chance of winning and should follow the proper procedures. It also asks a judge to order Liddell to pay the district’s attorney’s fees. Chancery Court Judge Kenneth Burns has set a hearing for 10 a.m. July 16 in Oktibbeha County to hear the motions.