Board attorney addresses Whiteside issue to angry parents at school board meeting
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A DeSoto County School Board meeting on Thursday ended in turmoil as outraged parents demanded the immediate resignation of board member Michele Henley. The calls for her ouster stem from her written support for convicted child sexual abuser Lindsey Whiteside, a situation that has exposed deep divisions within the community and district.
The board’s attorney told the packed room that the board lacks the legal authority to remove a duly elected official, further escalating tensions and prompting the board to abruptly enter a closed-door session.
Conviction and Controversial Sentencing
Lindsey Whiteside, a former church ministry worker at Getwell Church Hernando and a one-season assistant girls’ basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School, pleaded guilty to grand jury charges of child sexual battery of a minor while at the church. Following the plea, Judge Andrew Howorth sentenced Whiteside to three years of house arrest followed by seven years of probation.
DeSoto County Attorney Matthew Barton has publicly asserted that the verdict in the case was illegal under state law and is actively seeking to have it vacated. Barton has also called for Henley, an elected board member whose term extends through the end of 2028, to resign due to her written support and testimony for Whiteside during the sentencing. He further claimed that nine other school district employees, including a vice principal and teachers, also submitted letters in support of Whiteside, suggesting this support may have influenced the judge’s lenient sentence.
The District Attorney is asking for the list of those who wrote for Whiteside be made public and during a media briefing said former Southaven Police Chief Macon Moore was one of those who supported Whiteside.
Superintendent Cory Uselton has issued a letter clarifying the school district’s stance on the matter, emphasizing that Henley’s actions and those of school employees were not sanctioned by the district.
Board Attorney Jim Keith Addresses Parents
During Thursday’s board meeting that ended abruptly, Board Attorney Jim Keith addressed the room, acknowledging the deluge of emails from concerned parents. He reiterated his role is to shield the school district from legal liabilities and firmly stated that the board does not possess the legal power to remove an elected member.
“This board has no statutory or legal authority whatsoever to remove a duly elected board member,” Keith explained to the frustrated audience. “I know some of you have asked me to look into that… They don’t have that authority.”
Keith also dismissed suggestions that the superintendent could remove a board member, noting the superintendent operates under the board’s authority. His primary function, he explained, is to advise the district on legal matters and ensure all personnel actions adhere to federal and state due process rights.
Michele Henley Issues Statement
Michele Henley was not present at Thursday morning’s school board meeting. However, she earlier posted a statement on her Facebook page to address the controversy:
“Over the past few days, there has been considerable discussion on social media regarding my character and involvement in a recent matter. I would like to take a moment to share the facts directly.
“First, I wrote a letter describing a personal interaction I had with Lindsey Whiteside. In that letter, I mentioned that Lindsey had helped coach my daughter prior to basketball tryouts. At no point did I express support for her actions or endorse her behavior. For full transparency, I have attached a copy of my letter for you to review.
“Contrary to what has been claimed, I did not testify for the defense. I was subpoenaed by the District Attorney to appear in court.
“While on the stand, I was asked whether I condoned Lindsey’s actions. My response was no. When asked about what her sentence should be, I stated that such a decision was for the judge to determine.
“DeSoto County has been my home for nearly my entire life. I take great pride in our community and in the years of service I have dedicated to it. My integrity and commitment to the people of DeSoto County remain steadfast.
“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to clarify this matter.”
Her complete Facebook post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/michele.s.henley/posts/pfbid0S8WfXrm7cJtCKzeZJRgJnkXNfo5wFQQheqaaQambmoktMTHk8CaC1Y37niWc2TDbl
Parents Confront the Board and Meeting Ends Abruptly
Despite Keith’s explanations, parents remained agitated. One parent directly challenged the attorney, asking, “Is it not your job to make sure that your board members are following the law?”.
Another speaker, identifying herself as a clinical specialist in child trauma, attempted to address the board on what she termed its “legal and ethical mandate” to prioritize child safety.
“My presence here is not to engage in social media debate, but to execute my professional duty to advocate for vulnerable populations,” she stated. “The core issue before you is not a difference of opinion, it is whether the institution… Miss Henley’s actions constitute a…” she began before being cut off.
As parents continued to voice their anger, board members tried to explain that public comments require advanced registration on the agenda. The meeting quickly grew disorderly, with shouts to “clear the room”.
In response to the escalating situation, the board voted to enter an executive session to discuss unrelated matters, effectively ending the public portion of the meeting. This abrupt move left many parents visibly angered as their demands for Henley’s removal remained unanswered.
Attorney Jim Keith’s comments and the conclusion of the meeting can be found on the DeSoto County Schools’ YouTube channel.
