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By Lena Mitchell
Daily Journal Corinth Bureau
CORINTH - The Alcorn County School District has asked the federal court to grant an extension of time to provide information requested in a student's lawsuit against the district.
Responses to questions submitted on behalf of former Alcorn County student Anna Brock were due to be filed with the court by March 20. However, defense attorney William Stewart Sr. of Jackson asked for a 30-day extension - until April 20 - because he has been absent from his office for some time through his father's extended illness and death.
Anna Brock's parents - Jerry and Melinda Brock - filed the civil lawsuit in federal court in August, saying their child's civil rights were violated under the 14th Amendment. The complaint, which is one side of a lawsuit, also says that Anna suffered negligence, gross negligence and a violation of her bodily integrity.
The school district denies these allegations.
The Brocks' attorney, Brent McBride of Tupelo, had submitted questions to be answered by the school district, and also requested particular documents related to the case.
The court earlier had set a deadline of July 13 for all such "discovery" to be completed, with a trial date set for Feb. 8, 2010. Stewart says if the court grants the extension it will not harm the plaintiff.
The Brocks had filed a complaint with the Alcorn County Sheriff's Office in September 2007, saying an Alcorn Central Middle School typing teacher had grabbed their daughter and left bruises on her forearms and caused other injuries. In January 2008 Circuit Judge Thomas Gardner dismissed the simple assault charge against the teacher.
When the alleged incident occurred Anna was a 14-year-old eighth-grader. Her parents say she has a disability in her right chest, forearm and hands which she has had from birth, and which causes weakness on her right side due to missing muscles.
Contact Lena Mitchell at (662) 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.