MOUNT VERNON — In an attempt to force several Mount Vernon school board members to testify at the contract termination hearing for John Freshwater, Freshwater attorney Kelly Hamilton filed a petition with the Knox County Court of Common Pleas on June 2. The petition asked the judge to render a decision to compel their testimony.

On Tuesday, Judge Ortho Eyster denied that petition, stating the Ohio Revised Code limits the court’s jurisdiction in such matters and he therefore could not compel them to appear.

The effect the judge’s decision will have on the hearing is undetermined at this time. Requests for further information were unanswered as of press time.