DOTHAN, Ala. – Attorneys representing Dothan’s school board have filed a motion to dismiss former Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards’ federal lawsuit, saying her primary claim has no merit.
In a civil suit filed in January of this year, Edwards, through her lawyer, demanded more than $500,000 from the Dothan City School’s Board of Education claiming breach of contract, conspiracy, and deprivation of her rights to due process under the 5th and 14th Amendments.
She claimed her “intent to resign” letter dated Sept. 8, 2020 only stated an intent to resign at some point in the future, but that she intended to work for the next 120 days as laid out in her contract.
In her letter, Edwards wrote, “As we move into another unprecedented season and one that we have no knowledge on how to specifically address, it will be critical that the board has a quality trust and level of confidence in the Superintendent. I understand that times change and may necessitate a new leader, one that share’s the board’s vision of success and matches the desire of the community.”
On Sept. 14, board members accepted her resignation and appointed then-Chief Operations Officer Dennis Coe as acting superintendent. He was named superintendent earlier this year.
Edwards’ Montgomery-based attorney Jacob Fuller filed a formal complaint against the Dothan City School Board and all acting board members – Chairman Mike Schmitz, Vice-Chairman Brenda Guilford, Chris Maddox, Amy Bonds, Brett Strickland, Susan Vierkhandt, and Franklin Jones, in their individual capacities – in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama on March 24, according to court documents.