The saying goes that, "Silence is golden," but it certainly does not make

the ongoing legal feud in the Rock Hill School District any easier to understand.

Embattled Superintendent Lloyd Evans was still at work Thursday despite a court ruling that appeared to send him home. Most other parties in the issue are remaining tight-lipped on the future.

Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Richard Walton issued a stay of execution Wednesday that was supposed to have delayed an earlier order allowing Evans to resume his post until an appeal makes its way through the court system, but Evans remains on the job.

Walton declined to comment on the issue, citing disciplinary rules. When asked if anyone who disobeys a court order would be in contempt of court, Walton answered that it depends on the circumstances.

When reached by phone at the board office Thursday morning, Evans said he had not seen a copy of the order and that his attorney had not advised him that he could not work.

"I am here under the impression my being at work is certainly at the board's option. I am here only at their pleasure while the appeal is going on," he said. "If they don't want me here, all they have to do is say, 'Go home.'"

The stay of execution was filed by attorneys for the Rock Hill School Board in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Dec. 30, the same day the board officially filed its appeal of Walton's November 2004 decision in which he ruled that Evans had a valid contract with the district and was entitled to return as Rock Hill superintendent.

Evans indicated that the original order involved a variety of things other than his work status including the 5-year-contract and back pay. Evans' attorney, Richard Meyers was unavailable for comment.

Board attorney Peter Lusenhop said he was aware Evans had resumed

work but said he, "can't comment on what the board's next step might be."

Board president Lavetta Sites said she would not comment on the matter at this time.

An organizational meeting of the Rock Hill School Board will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the high school.