Jefferson Davis County School Land-Lawsuit

    JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - 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.