VIDEO: Superintendent Hickman Points Fingers

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Schools Superintendent, Dr. Philip Hickman says he’s working in a hostile work environment.

He pointed the finger at board President, Jason Spears.

The Board of Trustees met to discuss the job performance of an employee.

Then a formal complaint was filed against board president Jason Spears .

That’s when things got heated.

“You would think from this chaos, that I’ve been grieved,” said Hickman. “I’ve never had a negative evaluation. It’s just another form of harassment, I felt.”

After a long executive session, Hickman gave a letter to the Board of Trustees, saying some board members and specifically Spears has created a hostile work environment.

“In order to conduct a school district, there should be a team of six, and it’s come to a point where I haven’t been able to do anything in the district,” said Hickman.

Hickman has not shown up to several of the last board meetings.

Some school district employees also tell WCBI they’ve rarely seen Hickman, so far, this year.

Spears says the accusations against him don’t hold water.

“Dr. Hickman produced the letter, made the statements that he did that are inaccurate and untrue,” said Spears.

Now, the board will put off its evaluation to review Hickman’s second formal complaint against Spears and some board members.

“Of course the board has directed the attorney to evaluate the letter itself and of course report back to the board so that we can get clarification about his allegations,” continued Spears.

Hickman says he simply wants to finish the job he started.

“The only thing I’m asking, as a result of this letter, is not to disrupt the district; it’s to allow me to finish strong. Allow me to allow these youngster to get an excellent education,” said Spears.

For its part, the board says it continue to work hard for students.

“I know it’s a tough position that we are working through right now, we will continue to work as relentless as we have all along to foster cooperation amongst all parties to make sure the school district is successful,” said Spears.

The board will discuss the matter at its next meeting on February 7th.