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At a recent court hearing, Circuit Judge Donald Teeple ruled that several contested items may be included as evidence, including whether ISD Board President Brian Mellstead's intent was to get rid of Parker, and why Parker was angry at local businessman Brian Nelson. The board had accused Parker of rigging the bid process to prevent Nelson from winning a contract.

Parker, a former Marlette resident and Marlette superintendent, filed the lawsuit against the ISD Board of Education and the ISD district in September 2006. He was fired on a 5-2 vote after a contentious six- hour hearing in August 2006. He worked for the district for eight years.

The board's allegations for firing him included failing to report over $57,000 of income to the IRS, financial mismanagement, undermining the district's bid and quotation process, discouraging participation in school matters, and disrespectful treatment of board members and staff.

The board had suspended Parker with pay in May 2006 after a months-long investigation by Mellstead. The board had denied a contract extension in April, telling Parker he was over paid, after rating him just adequate during his evaluation in February.

The beginning of the end for Parker began in 2005 when the ISD Board went from seven to five members, and only two of the seven were long time board members. A majority of the new board soon began to question Parker's actions

The civil trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 27 and run for four or five days.