Education is the foundation of every thriving community in America.
When a community can show the world that they are successful at educating children it could mean that their community is able to attract all types of businesses and industries.
When we become a successful school district in Sunflower County, everything will change socially, economically and spiritually.
We have had our share of trials and tribulations; in other words, growing pains to get back on track. Our school system has gone through a rebuilding process that has been difficult. There are so many variables, too many laws, varying personalities and not enough funding.
We cannot afford to play politics when it comes to educating our children.
Since Initiative 42 didn’t pass, it has meant that we are limited in attracting and retaining well-trained educators because of under-funding.
We don’t have the adequate amount of textbooks for students.
In addition, basic school supplies are not provided and computer lab equipment is almost non-existent.
Also, there are leaking classrooms and campuses that flood due to rain.
According to the MAEP formula, the State of Mississippi owes Sunflower County approximately $16 million which could go a long way in building a new high school in Sunflower County.
Although legislation was passed in 1997 to fully fund every public school in Mississippi, the legislature went back on its promise. Both Gentry High and Ruleville Central are in need of new high schools.
There was a favorable vote in the past two weeks to study the matter of building a new high school. There was and is no right or wrong in this situation.
However, Gentry is in dire straits. Each time it rains two or more inches, the campus of Gentry High School floods and it rains in the building.
We cannot sit idle while Gentry High School’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate. Echoing the words of President Barack Obama, “How can we expect our kids to do their best in places that are literally falling apart? This is America.”
Education is a complex system and no results are guaranteed, but vigilance and determination can get us to where we want to be. Every community is different and what works for one district may not work in another. We must find our niche that takes our district to the next level.
Sunflower County had four conservators from 2009 to 2014 and it didn’t provide us the boost to elevate our test scores. One might ask the question, “Who actually benefited from conservatorship?”
Each community in Sunflower County must take ownership of their schools by working with the school leaders, principals and teachers to generate innovative ideas and methods of educating our children.
We can build successful schools with community buy-in.
Most of all we must work with Superintendent Davis so we can build advocacy groups from Inverness to Rome. Since economic success rises and falls on education and that transcends to the leadership, the community has selected a leader to propel this district forward.
Superintendent Davis needs time to move the needle, so patience is a necessity throughout this process.
The State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Carey M. Wright, had encouraging and supportive comments about Superintendent Miskia Davis that she shared with the audience at the June 22nd meeting held at Merritt Middle in Indianola, MS.
This vote of confidence should have re-invigorated and re-energized audience members.
We the members of the Sunflower County Branch #5333 of the NAACP are standing with Superintendent Davis and staff as they move the needle in the right direction for Sunflower County Consolidated School District.
