Connect with us

Mississippi News

Auditor issues demand letters to former Holmes County school officials

Published

3 years ago

on

Auditor issues demand letters to former Holmes County school officials

by Julia James, Mississippi Today
July 14, 2022

State Auditor Shad White issued demand letters on Thursday to six former board members or employees of the Holmes County School District, totaling more than $200,000. 

The school district was taken over by the Mississippi Department of Education in August 2021 following a nearly 400-page audit that found the district in violation of 81% of accreditation standards. The allegations included a dysfunctional school board and administration, improper spending, inaccurate record keeping and unlicensed teachers in the classroom. 

READ MORE: No background checks, misspending and an ‘adults only’ party: State auditor report alleges ‘widespread problems’ in Holmes Co. schools

The demand letters were issued to: 

  • James Henderson (former superintendent) – $90,677.18
  • Cheryl Peoples (former chief financial officer) – $46,937.68
  • Louise Winters (former school board president) –13,523.90
  • April Jones (former school board member)  – $13,523.89
  • William Elder Dean Jr. (former school board member) – $13,523.89
  • Anthony Anderson (former school board member) – $24,623.90

The auditor’s office published a list of “notable findings” that led to the issuance of these demand letters, which included a party to celebrate the passage of a bond issue that Holmes County voters ultimately rejected, payments in excess of the superintendent’s approved salary, payments made to companies owned by the superintendent’s relatives, and credit card transitions without proper documentation. 

“We are demanding this money back on behalf of the students and taxpayers of Holmes County who deserve to have their money spent in the way that the law requires,” White said in a press release.

The former superintendent and former school board president could not be reached for comment. 

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related Topics:

Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

2 days ago

on

June 15, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

Read the full article

The post Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

4 days ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

Read the full article

The post Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15

Published

4 days ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-13 07:54:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15 appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Continue Reading

Trending