Board president: Tough times ahead for Hattiesburg schools
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) – The president of the Hattiesburg Public school district says the system faces tough times ahead as the board of trustees deals with a deficit of unknown proportions.
Board President Marcus Cathey tells The Hattiesburg American board members are waiting for the results of a routine, annual audit from the Mississippi Department of Education to get an idea of how big the deficit is.
The financial situation at the district prompted Superintendent James Bacchus’ resignation Tuesday. In his resignation letter to Cathey, Bacchus said the projections showed a deficit that was not anticipated. Bacchus said neither he, nor the board, had been informed of critical, relevant financial information.
Cathey said Bacchus failed to take some actions that would have kept him and the board informed of the deficit.
