Why wasn’t the decision concerning Mr. Starnes position made after the upcoming bench trial?

There are two reasons why the decision was made prior to the bench trial. The State has established time-lines for the nonrenewal of a teacher contract; and because the results of the bench trial have no bearing on the Board's decision. BCSC has a higher threshold of expected behavior for their employees than the legal system. In general, the public places a much higher degree of accountability on persons in authority, such as teachers.