Duplin case timeline
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 4, 2009 2:00 AM
It has been more than a year since a jury awarded the Duplin County Board of Education nearly $4.8 million in funding. Money that has not been paid. County commissioners are contesting the jury's ruling. This timeline marks major events in the ongoing court battle.
*June 16, 2008: The Duplin County Board of Education requests $13.2 million in local funding. County commissioners approve a budget that gives schools $6.9 million in local funding.
*June 23, 2008: A resolution from the Board of Education triggers a mediation process between the board and the Duplin County Board of Commissioners.
*June 30, 2008: During the mediation process, commissioners appropriate an additional $425,000 to the schools.
*Aug. 1, 2008: Deadline to conclude mediation between commissioners and school board.
*Aug. 6, 2008: On the last possible day, the Duplin County Board of Education files a lawsuit against the Duplin County Board of Commissioners.
*Aug. 10, 2008: Duplin County commissioners file to have the lawsuit thrown out.
*Aug. 18, 2008: Judge refuses to dismiss case.
*Aug. 18, 2008: Jury selection begins in the trial.
*Aug. 21, 2008: Testimony begins.
*Sept. 11, 2008: Jury awards Duplin County School System nearly $4.8 million.
*Oct. 1, 2009: State Court of Appeals hears oral arguments from Board of Education and Board of Commissioners attorneys.