TUPELO – Mayoral candidate Kentrel Boyd will lose his job as a school resource officer in Nettleton this week but plans to continue his bid for public office in Tupelo.

He told the Daily Journal on Wednesday that he was forced to resign for his political bid and said he did nothing wrong during his three years of employment.

“It is my belief that my political endeavors have influenced those in authority concerning my employment,” said Boyd, a Democrat. “Moreover, due to my misfortunes, I do believe my purpose for running as mayor of Tupelo will give hope to those in similar circumstances.”

Nettleton Municipal Clerk Bill Tapscott confirmed Boyd’s resignation. It will take effect Friday.

Boyd said he informed his supervisors in December that he’d likely run for Tupelo mayor and requested a leave of absence. It was denied. Boyd qualified anyway, and he found out two days later his job was at risk.

He said Nettleton Superintendent James Malone wanted him gone and asked the Nettleton Board of Alderman to fire him. The board refused, citing a lack of reasonable cause, Boyd said, so the school district simply refused to pay his salary.

Although Boyd’s position is with the city through the police department, his salary is reimbursed by the school district.

When the district pulled Boyd’s pay, the city had no choice but to force his resignation, Boyd said.

Malone confirmed the school district refused Boyd’s request for a leave of absence and also refused to pay his salary. And though he wouldn’t comment on the reason leading to Boyd’s forced resignation, Malone said it had nothing to do with the candidate’s bid for mayor.

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.