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Public hears group’s concerns over school district
Published Tuesday, March 11, 2008
NATCHEZ — Between 50 and 60 people attended a meeting hosted by the Committee for Better Public Schools Monday night, but some said the crowd wasn’t nearly big enough.
The committee, a group formed a few months ago that has already asked that Superintendent Anthony Morris be replaced, has compiled a list of concerns about the schools.
They presented their concerns to the Adams County Board of Supervisors, the Natchez Board of Aldermen and the Natchez-Adams School Board last week.
Sharon Bradford, member of the committee and parent of children in the school system, said she was disappointed in the turn out.
“This room should be filled to capacity,” Bradford said.
Anyone who pays taxes in Adams County should be involved in the school system, she said.
She said she wants the facts presented Monday night to be known in the entire community.
“This is our society and it is an alarming fact to the community as a whole,” Bradford said.
Some of the committee’s concerns deal with suspension rates, test scores and drop outs.
Michael Winn, committee member and local pharmacist, said the school system has fallen to a poor state.
“It’s time for us to return our schools to excellence,” Winn said.
He urged parent involvement, saying that there is not enough parental support.
“We all have a responsibility,” he said. “We need to take responsibility for our children.”
Dr. Benny Wright, committee member and local dentist, presented the facts that were presented to the boards last week.
He compared the money spent per student in Adams County to the money spent per student in Hinds County.
He said for each student in Hinds County, $7,009.29 is spent and their schools are levels four and five. For each Adams County student, $8,981.64 is spent and the schools are at levels two and three.
He talked about consulting fees that have been paid to help improve the school to no avail, he said.
Donnell Newsome, a retired teacher from the school district, spoke about a lack of school pride, another one of the committees concerns.
He said having pride used to not be an issue but it is now and with pride comes better achievement.
“Once we get that pride back, everything will come back,” Newsome said.
Aldermen Theodore “Bubber” West stood up and responded to a question asked about the aldermen and supervisors having a regular dialogue with the school board.
West said the school board is appointed and therefore not required after their appointment to keep in contact with city officials.
This elicited a response from Winn stating that the school board should be elected.
“With that comes accountability,” Winn said.
Rita Winn, committee member, said she was glad the public was informed with the information. She said most importantly, the school needs to be supported because the children are the most important aspect.
“We have to find ways to support the school, even if we don’t always agree with what they do,” Winn said.
Gwen Watson is a concerned grandparent whose grandson has been suspended and shifted around the system and expelled multiple times since 2005.
“He’s been treated unjustly,” Watson said.
Afterwards, attendees were given the opportunity to sign a petition in support of the committee.
Comments
Posted by maryhelpme (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I did not know about the meeting, because I would have been there. How are you getting your info out about your meetings. When I know I will be in attendence. How can you become apart of of the committee for better schools? I agree Morris needs to GO! I will drive the BUS and help him pack!!!
Posted by Lilsister (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
maryhelpme, you may become a member of this group by contacting either Mr. or Mrs. Michael Winn or Dr. Bennie Wright.
The meeting was placed in tracing on Sunday and Monday(yesterday's paper). It was also announced in several church services on Sunday.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The one thing I read in this article that is unequivocally true is that parents need to be involved. As someone who has worked in education, I am saddened to see the apathy of many of these students parents. For those of you parents out there who check your childs homework, attends PTA meetings, and supports the disciplining of your child by the school: God bless you! We need more parents like you out there. For there to only be 50-60 in attendance is a commentary on lack of parental involvement. I would venture to guess that not all of those 50-60 present are parents. It is going to have to take parental involvement and discipline to take the schools back. I have beenn in the classroom in Natchez High and I see students who don't care and sometimes run the class room. That wouldn't have taken place when I was a child. I would have been kindly escorted to the principal's office where I had a meeting with Mr. Board. After that meeting, I had tea with Mad Momma, and at the end of the day I ate supper with dad's belt. I don't believe in abuse. I do believe in the bible as God's Word and it does say that if you spare the rod, you spoil the child. It doesn't have to be a spanking. That usually doesn't work on teenagers. I bet if you take away their cell phones, ipods, and playstations which they all have, then you will get a response in the right direction.
*Stepping off the soap box*
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thats the problem with the public school system,the parents dont give a rats behind about whats going on in the school system.If a private school was having this problem I bet the building would be filled with concerned parents.If Jackson has a better school system & cheaper..why dont we just bus the students to Hinds County & save the taxpayers of Adams County some money
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
none of this will change until the PARENTS decide they want a better system....
if you don't care about your child's education, please, don't have kids. take up a hobby.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Compare the tuition at a private school. Shut down the public school and send the students to private school for a cost of about 4,000 per student and return the other 4,000 to the tax payer.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would help to know about a meeting. I don't always read the tracings. Maybe setting up phone calling committees by the group to help get the word out would be beneficial. Having a phone committee may also help in getting more parents involved, especially since "the lack of parental involvement" seems to be where the majority of the problem is.
Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
beammeupscotty: One of the problems with that suggestion is the same students that drag down the public schools would drag down the private schools.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if they are planning to "get the word out", the first thing the Committee for Better Public Schools needs is a web site.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't know about the meeting either, and I have talked with Dr. Wright
I was supposed to get a phone call about the meeting but that didn't happen
The committee needs help, it will take a little time to get organized, create a phone list, etc
If you're interested call Dr. Wright, and let's help him
I have talked with my supervisor and alderman and I feel certain some changes are coming soon. But just to ax Morris is not enough, Edney needs to pack up also. As was discussed at this last meeting, the boards needs to be elected, and paid enough to get some decent people in there and held accountable
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SWAPMEET, GREAT POST!!! Agree with you whole heartily. Take what they "can't live without" away from them until their grades improve. Tongue lashings, switching, paddling, beatings, doesn't work!!!! HIT'EM WHERE IT REALLY HURTS. Even take their car away and stop the free ride ( so they think) in mama's car and make them ride the bus. Now that really will get their attention, and in the mean time it would help the traffic overflow. Kids now-a-days are just too completely spoiled at home and at school. THEY WILL BALK and SWELLUP at you, but aren't you the ADULT??? Please act like you are!!!!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this article didn't even say where the meeting was
the committee could have easily ran an announcement in the ND Tracings and would have gotten more attendance
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Destiny. I see these kids disrespect their mothers and I am appalled. I sit there and think: "If that was my kid...". A lot of these single mothers are scared of their children, or they have no loving support from a husband which causes children to hold their parents hostage with the threat of withholding their affection. It really is sad. It is no coincidence that the instabilty of the average home America has increased along with an increase in disrespect by children. If parents would grow a backbone and take away children's privileges, they would straighten up. I, myself, was very hard to deal with as a teenager. After trying several options which didn't work, my mother and father paid a visit to Chamberlain Hunt. I changed my tune quickly. They put my well-being ahead of their own love for me and I'll never forget it.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Swapmeet - not enough people knew of the time and place of this meeting
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to hear you guys talking about getting some backbone, it's about time!!! Tough love is tough , like you say, you'll have to endure some of their childish rebellion, but hang in there and follow through with that tough love. If you do, your kids will turn out OK. If not then it's likely they'll end up in the jailhouse, dead out on the street, or in the poorhouse doing drugs,etc. Teach em right and don't spare the rod for spoiling your kids.
Call Dr. Wright, he'll talk with you and be appreciative of your support. Let's help the committee gain momentum and make some changes
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Following along your line of thinking Krogers: In one of my education courses, we discussed how prisons decide how many beds to put in a newly built prison by looking at the reading scores of local third and fourth graders. They know that in a few years those students who can't read will probably drop out or work menial jobs which will tempt them to turn to a life of crime. Scary thought isn't it?
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yep it is, and that is what' going on now
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Preach On!!!! It is sad but true. And we do not put enough emphasis on trade schools anymore. Many of the students would have benefitted from a good trade school. I know Natchez has one, but too many students are not encouraged to attend. They need to expand the trade school program to help keep people from dropping out. they may not be Harvard material, but they may make wonderful cabinets. Try it. It worked for many years in Natchez. Do it again.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There might be any number of benefits to learning to read early and well. And there is a well known reason kids don't read as well today as they did in the past.
Read about the job opportunities available to poor readers in this article, it mentions one of the new businesses coming to Adams County:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?c...
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very interesting artical there enkikur....
Posted by wakeupnatchez (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELLO NATCHEZ THE WEB SITE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA. ANYBODY WILLING TO LEND THE COMMITTEE A HELPING HAND IN SETTING UP THE WEB PAGE. LOOKS LIKE YOU ALL ARE IN FOR A FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. BY THE WAY EVEN IF THE TURNOUT IS SMALL YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. NOT ALL MEMBERS OF THE THIRTEEN COLONIES SIGNED THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND LOOK WHAT HAPPEN. HOW MANY VOTES DOES IT TAKE IN CONGRESS TO OVERRIDE A VETO BY THE PRESIDENT? STAY FOCUS AND REMEMBER ITS NOT QUANTITY BUT QUALITY. LAST I RECALLED THERE ARE 100 MEMBERS IN THE SENATE AND 435 MEMBERS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE. THAT'S A SMALL AMOUNT PEOPLE TO REPRESENT MILLIONS IN THIS COUNTRY. YOU NEED TOGETHERNESS, FAITH AND HARWORK AND YOU WILL ACHEIVE.
GOODLUCK COMMITTEE FOR A BETTER EDUCATION!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 11, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've already had a nice heart to heart with Lazarus and Pollard on this. I feel confident these good men will take action for Better Public Schools. They agree with the committee that some heads need to roll. But we need to keep the committee alive. Call Dr. Wright and support him.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not everyone thinks Dr. Morris needs to go.
Swapmeet, Dr. Morris delivered the prison facts in a community presentation last year regarding the Accelerated Reader Program. If I remember correctly this reading program is focused on early learning and supports students through the eighth grade. This is one of many new programs Morris has brought to the system. We serve are several community boards and Morris is the first superintendent who has ever actively sought community partnerships. Mississippi has been at the bottom of the education system so long that logic tells us one man is not going to turn the problem around in a few short years. The no child left behind requirements, while the overall intentions are good, seems to me to be causing some to just give up. However, if we only focus on the negative things that occur in life isn’t that teaching our kids to do the same? How far does a negative attitude really get us in the end?
Instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, would the committee for better schools consider working to strengthen the positive programs? Yes, it is far easier and safer to criticize others than to really form a committee for better schools that brings to the table a positive approach, initiative ideas, willingness to respect the opinions of others and acknowledge success no matter how small they are perceived to be, having an open mind to research the things that are said by others rather than taking everything as fact and seriousness of holding everyone to a higher standard including our own children.
As to the post regarding Bob Pollard, please post Pollard’s ideas and the amount of time he says he is willing to commit to our public school system. Since he is running for alderman I think we all need to hear what they are.
Posted by freetospeak (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I worked in this district for years and I can testify that Accelerated Reader and Community Partnerships existed long before Dr. Morris came into the picture as Superintendent. IP was one of the major adopters and look how long they have been gone. No, these things have been going on for years, he just wanted to take credit for it.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is statements like this one that are raising a red flag. What you don’t say is how IP's leaving impacted programs like these. The efforts of many in the community support the Accelerated Reader Program through a grant Dr. Morris pursued. I have not worked on this project however I know if we can chose a project and all work side by side, we can help the school system.
Posted by Lilsister (anonymous) on March 12, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hitormiss, When and where was the meeting where Dr. Morris spoke concerning the Accelerated Reading Program? I have read that communication is a problem, and this may well be a problem for all of us because we are not informed. As far as this particular program is concerned , it has been around long before Dr. Morris came to Natchez. Maybe, he extended this program. In fact, Dr. Hoskins worked with many industries and groups to secure grants,and other monies to help make the public schools better, yet he was dismissed for whatever the reason(s) may have been.
I am sure that the Committee for Better Public Schools is willing to sit down with all involved to help make the educational process better. All of the members that I know are very fair-minded individuals, and they appear to value good quality education. The public school system should spend some money in the budget to hire a good PR person. Many parents are complaining that the good things that their children are doing have yet to be publicized.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 14, 2008 at 2:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lilsister,
You may have hit on a good point. Communication is key. I did not know the school system did not have a PR person. The good thing about retirement is you finally get a chance attend community meetings, the bad things is you have to older to do it. Morris has spoken to many, many groups since my return to Natchez. I don’t remember which meeting he spoke about the program. I will try asking around and seeing if I can nail it down for us. I can understand a parent wanting the good things their children do to be published but can you understand the good things Morris does also needs the same attention. There are many good things happening. Give this man some credit.
Meeting and talking are great things. Please consider rolling up your sleeves and promote the good. Positive outlooks will get us everywhere.
Posted by babyblu2001 (anonymous) on April 1, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We have a website for the entire school district here in Gulfport. Parents and students are able to view grades on a daily bases, view attendance, discipline action, test scores and even available monies on the childs lunch account. It is great and is updated by the teachers and faculty daily. This is the number one way for those parents that care to keep up with what their child is doing. If anyone is interested please go to this website...http://www.harrison.k12.ms.us/DesktopDefault.aspx
You of course must have a password and account login to view your childs actual activity....but if anyone would like to see that I will gladly give you mine for a test run...just email me @ babyblu_2001@hotmail.com.
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