She blamed staff for the delays and claimed retaliation - judges disagreed
A Mississippi appeals court has upheld a school district's decision not to renew its business manager's contract, rejecting her retaliation and due process claims.
The Mississippi Court of Appeals affirmed, on June 30, 2026, a chancery court ruling in favor of the Okolona Municipal School District (OMSD), closing out a dispute over late vendor payments, workplace friction, and a business manager's claim that she was pushed out for speaking up.
Casandra Trimble had served as OMSD's business manager since 2013. In April 2023, superintendent Dr. Paul Moton told her that her contract would not be renewed. The reason given: neglect of duty, specifically unprofessional conduct, failing to pay vendors on time, and failing to maintain professional relationships with colleagues - all framed as violations of the Mississippi Code of Ethics.
Trimble requested a hearing, which she was entitled to under state law. Over three days in May 2023, OMSD's Board of Trustees heard from Trimble, the superintendent, and six other employees.
The district's witnesses described daily friction in the business office. A school secretary said she was "forced" to take on extra accounting duties on top of confusing requisition procedures. The special education director told the Board that a classroom assistant's pay was delayed by two months, and that the business office changed procedures "out of the blue." She also described a...
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