DeSoto school board asks lawmakers to revive bill that could remove one of its own members
Dozens of parents and residents confronted the DeSoto County school board Thursday, Oct. 16, demanding the immediate resignation of board member Michele Henley after her support of Lindsey Whiteside. (Brandon LaGrone II/The Daily Memphian file)
DeSoto County school leaders have approved a resolution urging Mississippi lawmakers to reintroduce a bill that would allow the removal of school board members for misconduct.
Although no particular instance was noted by the DeSoto County school board, this move comes as board member Michele Henley faces sustained pressure for supporting convicted former youth pastor Lindsey Whiteside.
The board voted 4-0 Nov. 20, with Henley present and abstaining, to support reintroduction of House Bill 817, a 2025 proposal that would have created a process to remove school board members for malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance or other just cause.
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Brandon LaGrone II
Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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