Documents obtained by The Dispatch reveal Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell used school resources — including funds and staff — for personal use in throwing a party during the Christmas holidays.
On December 23, 2012, Liddell hosted the Christmas Eve Sounds of Soul Party on the lower level of the Trotter Convention Center. Wednesday, Liddell told The Dispatch the party was a “personal event” for her friends, family and business acquaintances. In addition to her role as superintendent, Liddell owns a grant-writing company, Success Makers Associates.
The party took place in two rooms of the Trotter’s lower level. Combined, the two rooms rent at a rate of $775. A review of the Trotter’s records reveals that Mayor Robert Smith rented the facility. Liddell’s name was not on any of the rental records. When asked why Smith would rent the Trotter for her event, Liddell declined to elaborate other than saying it was a “private event.”
“It was a private event. That’s all I can say on that matter,” she said.
Reached by phone, Smith said he didn’t remember the party, but that if the Trotter was rented in his name, he paid for it. He did not respond to questions about why he rented the facility for Liddell’s use.
Records indicate CMSD was billed for $259.28 for food that was served during the Dec. 23 party. In addition, two CMSD employees worked a total of 16.5 hours resulting in pay of $188.23.
The Dispatch obtained emails sent between Dr. Liddell and Aramark representatives coordinating the catering for the event. Aramark handles food service for the Columbus Municipal School District.
In an email sent by Liddell to Aramark representatives Thomas Collins and Sandra Pegues on Dec. 9, 2012, the superintendent listed the food items required to feed 100 guests.
On Dec. 12, Liddell sent an email to Pegues informing her of a change of the event’s date and location and confirming the menu. In the email, Liddell asked that the workers arrive at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 to set up the food.
Pegues sent an email to Liddell on Dec. 19 confirming the time and place and a billing amount of $150.
Liddell responded saying, “Awesome. Bill me end of January please.”
On Dec. 20, 2012, Collins wrote a purchase order for $100 for “miscellaneous items” from Walmart in Columbus, to be delivered to Pegues at Brandon Central Office. According to a separate purchase order, two trays of buffalo wings were purchased at a cost of $70 and two trays of pinwheels were purchased at a cost of $50, $20 more than the original purchase order requested.
In addition to the $120 Walmart expense, $93.81 worth of meatballs and $45.47 worth of chicken drumsticks were purchased from Sysco, a food supply company used by the district. CMSD was listed as the customer on the purchase orders.
According to time cards, two CMSD employees worked the party. Alice Howard worked eight hours, 20 minutes at a rate of $12.75 an hour, costing the district $104.55. Ava Mosely worked eight hours at a rate of $10.46 an hour, costing the district $83.68.
When a Freedom of Information Act Request was filed asking why the women worked the party and how they were paid, accountant for federal programs and support services Holly Rogers said the women were paid through a catering account line through Child Nutrition, a federal program funded by the state.
The Dispatch obtained a copy of a check dated Jan. 31, 2012 written by Liddell for $150. The memo on the check read “catering.”
Combining the cost of food with district funds used, Liddell used $447.51 in district funds for her personal use. Until Wednesday, Liddell had reimbursed the district for $150 of that amount.
When questioned Wednesday, Liddell made conflicting comments regarding Mosely and Howard working the party.
Liddell first said she learned of the labor costs when she read the FIOA request on Tuesday.
“I wasn’t aware until I got a copy of that (Tuesday) that there was any labor involved,” she said. Minutes later, Liddell said she only learned of the CMSD labor costs Wednesday. “I didn’t know until (Wednesday) that any staff was used at all,” she said.
Liddell said she reimbursed the district for $188.23 Wednesday afternoon. She said the check was made payable to the Office of Child Nutrition.
Claiming she was not involved, Liddell blamed the use of CMSD staff on Aramark.
“It appears from what I saw on the information that the Aramark people did use employees but I wasn’t aware of that. I’m going to have to talk to the supervisor.”
A person who attended the event said Liddell should have known that Mosley and Howard were working at the event since the women helped serve the food.
Sources within the district claim Liddell was aware that employees and district funds were used, saying the issue was brought before Liddell and board attorney David Dunn in March by former accountant and chief financial officer Kenneth Hughes and Hughes’ attorney. Hughes was fired in May. The district would not elaborate on why Hughes, a 16-year employee of the district, was fired.
Hughes declined to comment on the issue involving the use of CMSD resources for the party.
While state officials would not comment on the specific matter, the Mississippi Code suggests Liddell’s conduct may violate state law.
According to Section 25-4-105 of the Mississippi Code dealing with contract restrictions and other prohibited conduct and penalties for the offense:
“No public servant shall use his official position to obtain, or attempt to obtain, pecuniary benefit for himself other than that compensation provided for by law, or to obtain, or attempt to obtain, pecuniary benefit for any relative or any business with which he is associated.”
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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