Mississippi County School District Settles Over Funds Misuse

State Auditor Stacey Pickering says the Jefferson Davis County School District will repay over $1 million for misusing 16th Section land funds.

Pickering said the auditor’s office filed a lawsuit against the district in 2007. He said the settlement was recently reached between his office, the district and CNA/Western Surety.

District Superintendent Ike Haynes said the funding dispute was an issue when he took office, but he’s glad it will no longer be a distraction.

The 16th Section of each 36-square-mile township belongs to the schools, and is rented out by the state to help raise school funds. The suit accused the district of misusing the funds in 2004 and 2005.