Columbus schools return $75K grant
The Columbus Municipal School board on Monday voted unanimously to return a $75,000 grant and officially end Project 2020.
The money will return to the Wal-Mart Foundation.
Dispatch special report: School’s outside catering under investigation
For five years, the Columbus Municipal School District, through the use of its food service contractor, Aramark, has operated an outside catering service providing food for private events, often at a loss to the district. A veteran school superintendent calls the practice, “highly unusual.”
CMSD, Liddell agree on $10K settlement
The Columbus Municipal School District has agreed to a settlement with former superintendent Martha Liddell, a move that cancels a termination hearing that was scheduled for later this month and brings to an official end Liddell’s employment with the district.
Liddell termination hearing postponed
Former Columbus Municipal School Superintendent Martha Liddell’s termination hearing has been rescheduled for the second time.
Liddell’s termination hearing pushed back
The termination hearing for former Columbus Municipal School District superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell has been continued.
The hearing was scheduled for Monday but Liddell requested a 45-day continuance earlier this week.
Judge throws out Liddell lawsuit
A Chancery Court Judge has ruled to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the Columbus Municipal School District by former superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell.
CMSD asks court to dismiss Liddell’s suit
The Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees is asking the court to throw out a suit that would return Dr. Martha Liddell to the position of schools superintendent.
Liddell hearing set for July 16
Former Columbus Municipal School Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell will soon learn if she will be reinstated to her former position.
Liddell sues CMSD for reinstatement
Former Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell has sued to be reinstated as the district’s superintendent.
The Dispatch obtained a copy of the lawsuit, which was filed Friday afternoon in Lowndes County Chancery Court by her attorney, Austin Vollor of Starkville. Dr. Liddell is asking the court to “intervene to restore the rights of the plaintiff, namely to reinstate her as superintendent.”
Our view: School board must move quickly, choose wisely
Less than a day after the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees made the decision to fire superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell, the board met again Tuesday to officially begin the process of finding an interim superintendent. The board also set in motion a search for a new chief financial officer to replace Kenneth Hughes, who was fired by Liddell on May 3.
CMSD begins search for superintendent and CFO
Less than 20 hours after it fired its superintendent, the Columbus Municipal School Board of Trustees met Tuesday to begin looking for an interim superintendent and a new chief financial officer.
Our view: After the storm, challenges remain for CMSD
The storm is over. Now the clean-up begins.
The Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees fired superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell Monday, whose bid to retain her seat by the only means apparently available — turning the issue into a matter of race and gender — failed in light of the facts that demonstrated clear examples of misconduct.
State investigator meets with CMSD officials
An investigator with the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor was at the Columbus Municipal School District Wednesday, according the documents obtained by The Dispatch.
Our View: Content, not color
Tuesday’s special meeting of the Columbus Municipal School Board ended in much the same fashion as the special meeting held last week: Nothing was done.
But much happened.
Our view: CMSD Board: A lack of institutional control?
In college athletics, when evidence emerges that a coach has committed serious offenses, the NCAA (the governing body of college athletics) focuses its attention not only on the coach and the athletic department, but on the university’s administration as well. The most serious finding that can result in these cases is something the NCAA calls “lack of institutional control,” a charge that ensures the harshest of penalties.
Liddell’s consulting work may violate CMSD contract
Columbus Municipal Schools Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell may have violated a school district policy that prohibits the superintendent from engaging in any outside business ventures.
Board holds heated closed-door meeting on Liddell
Members of the Columbus Municipal School Board met in an often-heated three-hour executive session Tuesday night during a special meeting to discuss personnel matters involving Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell.
Our view: At long last, CMSD Board exerts its authority
Three months ago, when Angela Verdell was appointed to the Columbus Municipal School Board to replace Tommy Prude, there was a feeling the dynamic of the school board would change — and for the better.
Liddell used CMSD resources for private party
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.
Our view: CMSD motto: ‘I don’t know’
The defining moment in Dr. Martha Liddell’s first year as superintendent for the Columbus Municipal School District came Monday during the district’s regular board meeting.