A Fayette man whose property borders the softball field at Clark Middle School has filed suit in small claims court three weeks after he was banned from campus. Cordell Robert Trimble is seeking $5,000, although his complaint is unclear about what damages were caused by the district.

Mr. Trimble resides on Spring Street, and his yard borders school property by the right field of the softball field. His handwritten complaint is difficult to decipher, but it may suggest the district wastes taxpayer money by over-maintaining the fields and cites daily mowing.

Included in the online court documents was a letter from Fayette Superintendent Brent Doolin to Mr. Trimble regarding conduct that the district says violates district policy. It cites two incidents, one on Oct. 23 and another on Sept. 1, where Mr. Trimble allegedly swore at staff and students.

The letter referred to the Disruptive Conduct section of Board of Education Policy KK. “Mr. Trimble is not allowed to be on district property at any time for any reason. He is not allowed to attempt to communicate with district employees, school board members, or students,” the letter states.

A small-claims hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Howard County Court in front of Judge Mason Gebhardt.