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St. Martin Superintendent back at work Monday after locked out of office

Posted at 4:38 PM, Sep 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-10 18:37:50-04

Five days after being ousted, St. Martin Parish School Superintendent Lottie Beebe is locked out of her office.

Beebe’s attorney, Lane Roy says a custodian was directed by the board president to unlock her office.

Beebe declined an interview saying, “her focus is on the students, faculty and staff of the district and moving forward.”

Roy said, the Board’s attorney reached out to him on Friday looking to resolve Beebe’s termination before a lawsuit is filed. Tuesday, the Board will meet to negotiate Beebe’s future.

“We’re not asking for anything other than what she’s entitled to, nothing more,” said Roy. “The discussion of settlement is part of that if not the whole issue they’re going to be resolving here.”

Roy said his client will not file suit if she’s allowed to work through the end of the school year.

“It’s not good for the kids over there, the teachers and the administrators in that parish to have this turmoil going on,” said Roy.

He maintains the Board’s actions are potentially criminal. Roy believes some board members influenced the firing of Beebe and violated the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act.

“If it’s proven, then it allows the award of treble damages,” said Roy. “It’s very severe penalties and a ward of attorney fees. This whole issue is ridiculous. The board is absolutely wrong.”

If the board does not agree to allow Beebe to finish her contract, Roy said they will file suit and let the courts decide.

“We’re intent on doing the right thing and I think what she’s doing is the right thing.”

KATC reached out to the St. Martin Parish School Board’s attorney and we have not heard back.