Quitman Superintendent Accused of Misspending Grant Money

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Updated: 3:54 PM Jun 30, 2008 Quitman Superintendent Accused of Misspending Grant Money Quitman, Miss. Quitman school superintendent, Dr. Suzanne Hawley, says she has done nothing wrong. Posted: 11:17 PM Jun 29, 2008 Reporter: Lindsey Brown Email Address: lindsey.brown@wtok.com

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State Auditor Stacey Pickering has ordered Dr. Suzanne Hawley, the superintendent of Quitman Consolidated School District, to repay $11,500 of grant funds that were allegedly misspent back to her former district, Benoit in Bolivar County, where she was also superintendent.

Pickering says Hawley and three other former district employees received "unapproved and unauthorized salaries through three grants awarded the district over the course of three school years."

In an interview with the Clarion-Ledger, Hawley said, " I haven't done anything wrong. I have spoken to my attorney. We'll be addressing the state auditor on Monday. I absolutely do not owe any money, certainly not."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Curious Location: Quitman on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:43 PM

It's now July 21st. What is the follow-up to this story ? I haven't seen or heard any updates so far. I'd love for WTOK to do a follow up on this.

Posted by: teacher2 Location: Quitman on Jul 11, 2008 at 07:49 AM

I agree with many of those who have posted here. Dr. Hawley and at least one of the principals she has hired have turned our district into a downward spiral. Fantastic teachers are leaving because they are not treated with respect, not because things aren't "going their way." Many of them have been through five principals in the last few years and never had a problem until now (referring to the high school). I don't think the state auditor's office would put this in the news if their evidence wasn't sufficient to support their claim. Our Quitman residents need to think carefully before they elect school board members and we need an elected superintendent. Also, the school board needs to have experience in education, a college education and a genuine concern for teachers, and most importantly, the students.

Posted by: Panther Pride Location: Quitman on Jul 2, 2008 at 02:19 PM

By the way, Dr. Hawley has confessed. I do work for her, and I'll tell you now that since she took over, QSD has change dramatically from the beginning... and for the worst. Like some have already said, a very large percentage of talented teachers/employees have been fired/demoted since she has come. Many were given very stupid reasons for being let go. The truth is, Dr. Hawley is a dictator, and there are certain people who "jump" when she says "jump." Those people are safe. The ones who don't jump are fired/demoted. I've been worried for 2 years now...scared that I was going to be the next to make a wrong move. Now, God-willing, her true colors will come to light, and she and her croonies will be gone. QSD is a great school district with wonderful teachers (ones who are not only gifted teachers but ones who love the children AND KNOW THEIR NAMES!). It's time the community takes back what is theirs.

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