Durant school officials cited a failure on Rouse's part to maintain accurate student records, a lack of professional judgement and inability to be a positive leader or role model; and the school board agreed to consider firing Rouse.

Rouse appealed the Board's decision in Cedar County District court.

On March 11, 2011, Judge Nancy Tabor sided with Rouse and ordered the district to reinstate her as principal, saying, "Ms.

The board placed restrictions on Rouse's access: to the building, educational records, and communication with students and staff.

On September 28, 2012, Judge Mark Smith cited the school board members for contempt for failing to restore Rouse as principal with all duties, responsibilities and privileges she enjoyed prior to the board's termination actions, and ordered the district to pay $12,000 of Rouse's legal expenses.

The Board acknowledges that a prior press release regarding this matter may have contained inaccurate information.