Posted by Babbiegurl1 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why should it matter where a child and his family lives. As long as that child is attending school and learning why should anyone be able to tell a child you cant go to school here anymore because by one inch of of a margin your house is out of district, and we as people wonder why the poverty level and the amount of kids dropping out of school to sell drugs on our street corners is so high. It is because we are telling them they cant go to school so what is left for them to do.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They can go to school...They just have to go to the school in there district....Been that way for years..

Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the schools in Natchez were not so crappy people who live in Natchez would not be trying to send their children to the schools in Vidalia the people in Natchez should do something about the schools here before people start moving other places I know I would if I had kids in school because I could not pay for private schools

Posted by thereshia (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Public Schools get a certain amount of money from the state for each student so if a school is aware of a student that is crossing district lines to attend another school they will often report it. Of course the school where the student is attending out of district is not usually going to say anything since they are getting the extra money. The article says 12 students from one school have left and that is money that will not go into the school. If these students attend private schools then the state will probably not have to pay anything for the kids education so the state benefits. We all know that education use to be in the student's best interest...but not anymore. It seems to be all about the money or politics.

Posted by bayougal (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ms. Carey is absolutely correct. These parents have bought supplies and uniforms for their kids. (quite costly!)
The kids have settled in to a routine. Now, everything is being turned upside down. What a shame! I wish the best for these children and their families...

Posted by mesoprivate (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I AGREE! I AM A PARENT OF FOUR! AND I HAVE 1 THAT WILL HAVE 2 GO 2 NATCHEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL NEXT YEAR, I WAS THINKING OF MOVING TO VIDALIA SO HE CAN ATTEND SCHOOL THERE! THE NMS IS AWFUL! I MEAN, THESE KIDS HAVE 2 WALK THROUGH METAL DETECTORS IN THE MORNING...THEY NEED 2 FIND A BETTER WAY..

Posted by bayoubengalsfan (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The parent that bought supplies and uniforms for a school that her child or children was not supposed to be attending in the first place does not deserve any sympathy. They knew they were doing wrong. If they cannot afford private education, then home school or move into the Vidalia school district. It is that simple.

Posted by papajeff (Jeff McClure) on October 1, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's true that the parents have already bought supplies, etc, but it's also true that the parents knew where their kids were supposed to be attending in the first place, so it was their considered choice to send them to the wrong school. This is not a new rule or requirement. As long as I can remember if you lived in a certain area you attended a certain school. Of course, once lawsuits and forced bussing sent kids from one neighborhood to a school other than the one in their neighborhood, that changed a bit, but students were still supposed to attend a certain school. These are not cases of avoiding bussing, but of wanting to attend another school other than the one where they live. This federal desegregation order has been in place for a long time, so it's not new news. It's pretty clear-cut, but I guess the renewed emphasis on enforcement of the rules is what is considered to be news. I am a parent and a teacher so I totally understand wanting your children to get the best education possible. When I moved back to this area I made sure I bought property in the school district where I wanted my children to attend school. I would suggest that parental interest and involvement would go a long way toward helping make improvements in all our local schools.

And as far as droppping out and selling drugs, I doubt very many kids, if any, do that because they are required to attend one school over another. They are not being stopped from going to school, they are just being told to go to the one in their district.

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These parents need to stop teaching their children that it's OK to lie, move to Vidalia, or pay for private school. It's that simple!
I think it's horrible that these kids are taught dishonesty in middle school. The children are coached to lie if asked about their residency.
This whole thing make me sick!

Posted by Hotmama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish people of Natchez would realize that if ya'll would have stayed in Natchez schools, they would have never gotten so bad. Maybe if ya'll all go back to Natchez schools and tough it out ya'll can help make it better. What burns me up is that Natchez people talk about Vidalia like it's trash. Well if Vidalia is too trashy for you to live here, then don't send your kids to Vidalia schools!! If Vidalia schools are good enough to go to then move to Vidalia and pay the taxes. Simple as that!! I hate it for the kids but the parents should have done right from the beginning.

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why couldn't Concordia Parish have waited until at least Christmas break before throwing these kids out? It is not fair to the kids to have to re-establish themselves and their school work so suddenly.

Posted by september (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

as long as the kids are going to schools who cares where they go.

Posted by meluvcookies (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Obamayamama...the parents knew BEFORE school started that they were going to be sending their kids to the wrong schools. I mean, duh! This has been going on a looong time. Concordia Parish didn't "throw these kids out". The parents are the ones that added to the problem!

Posted by commander (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The school situation in Natchez is horrible. Most people cannot afford private schools so in the best interest of their children they send them to Vidalia schools. Any self respecting parent would do anything they could to provide for their children. Here is one option that will pay for itself. Buy a house in Vidalia, the notes would be similar to those you would have to pay to send your child to a private school in Natchez. Look at how money it would take to send a child from kindergarden to their senior year at a private school. YOU CAN BUY A HOUSE FOR THAT PRICE. Once your child graduates from school in Vidalia, sell the house to send them to college. It makes sense. I know the financial market is unstable at this time but it is an option.

Posted by hollywood (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i don't feel sorry for them one bit..... they have been lying and cheating for years.... that is what's wrong with our communities today.... we teach our children to lie and "try to beat the system."

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, let us look at the options for schooling our children.

A.) Send them to public Vidalia schools where they can receive a good education and not have to worry about their safety.
B.) Send them to a private school in Natchez or Ferriday, pay thousands of dollars a year (which is not an option for most), and allow them to adapt the snobby attitude that most private school students have.
C.) Send them to public school in Ferriday or Natchez and make sure they do not forget their bullet proof jackets.

Now, which would you choose? The people who where affected where only looking out for the welfare of their children. They pay taxes no matter where they live.

Posted by justmems (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have recently moved back here to this area and I agree with all of you that something should be done about the problems in Natchez schools, but I'm not about to endanger my 11 year old daughter to do that. My daughter attends Morgantown this year and will be going into the 7th grade next year there is NO WAY that I'm gonna send my precious child into that enviroment. My ex is moving to another county soon and I will have to let my baby live with him during the week to attend school in a district that is more able to ensure her safety. It is a real shame that the public schools are in the shape that they're in but they are. I don't know how to correct the problems in these schools the issues are definitaly complex and will require alot of work but if it works then it would be totaly worth it.

Posted by babyblu2001 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, well here is what they are doing here in the Harrison County School District (Biloxi, Gulfport, etc.) And I know it would be a little different there for y'all because it is actually involving 2 different States, not just school districts. If a parent wants their child to attend another school out of their district they are required to pay a tuition. I believe it is $800 or $900 a year. It is much cheaper than private school. People aren't sending their children to other schools because the schools are bad here, mainly for economical reasons such as areas the parents work, etc. I attended both private and public school in Natchez, and honestly the private schools aren't worth the money. If I had to move back to that area I would move to Vidalia so my 2nd grader wouldn't have to attend Natchez schools either. Maybe the best thing for many in Natchez to do is leave completely. Move to a better area, with better jobs, and actually be able to do things with your children on the weekends without driving an hour to do so. If you miss it sometimes or still have family there, do as I do and go back for a visit once or maybe twice a year. Your children deserve it!

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Myself I think that the schools should have made sure BEFORE school started that the residency was correct at enrollment. They should not jerk these kids up 3 months into school and make them change. No it is not right for them to go to a school where they dont belong but it should have been clarified before school started. This only confuses the smaller children who dont know what is going on. My heart goes out to the kids, it is not their fault.

Posted by september (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

its bad enough that parents have to worry about their childs education, but they have to worry about the safety of their child in school. thats what is really bad. if the parents of the kids that think they are bad ????? would tear their ??? up every now and then maybe we would not have all the violence is schools. Parents need to stand up and be parents.

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And happybunny how do you know that the parents have taught their kids to lie. Your name does no justice for your attitude it stinks. People that make accusations before they have all their facts make me sick. The parents are only looking out for the welfare of their own kids and not every parent has taught their kids to lie.

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I KNOW because the child is scripted in the event they are asked about their residency at school.
In addition, when the child grows up and realizes they have dishonestly been attending Vidalia public school by CHEATING the system, this also adds to the lack of values taught to them by their parents.
The parents should MOVE or get another job to pay for private school.
I don't know if you go to church, if you do, ask your pastor if this is honest, acceptable behavior.
Sara, if you are a Natchez resident sending your child illegally to school in Vidalia you are a LIAR and you make me sick!

Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sara if those parents have their kids in middle schools they don't belong in, then they have taught their kids to lie.

Remeber kids live what they learn. They learn by watching you live.

Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That should be "remember"

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well happybunny you are an ignorant person who deserves to live in the pits of hell. I am NOT a liar but not every parent teaches their child to lie. I have friends who teach in Vidalia and some kids were honest about living in Natchez and that is how they got caught. Not every kid that lives in Natchez that goes to school in Vidalia is a liar and you are a stupid person for thinking that they are all liars. Hell all they know is they live in Natchez and go to school in Vidalia they dont know the law there parents do. Maybe you should go to church and ask you pastor for forgiveness for being judgemental. :)

Posted by lookingout (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree with babyblu2001 vidalia should do that they will get money and the kids will get a good education and happybunny if you are juding the people sending their kids to vidalia and living in natchez that makes you no better than them.....they are just looking out for the best intrest in their child...most jobs around here dont pay enough even with both parents working to send their kids to private schools......

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My parents put me through school in Natchez, before 1990, and we lived outside the limits. They did the same thing for me in Vidalia too. Ok happybunny, you are going off the rocker about cheating and lying. Not all of us who broke the rules grow up to be cheaters and liers. Actually I am so glad I was moved to Vidalia school instead of Natchez. I met so many inspirational teachers (Who could forget Mr. Hathaway) and still feel today that I recieved a good education without tension in the air.
These parents did not lie for any other reason than they wanted their kids to go to decent schools. NOT TO MENTION, what do you think a kid is going to learn at Natchez schools, probably a lot more than lying.

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hold on, wait a minute, HAPPYBUNNY, did you really write this:

I don't know if you go to church, if you do, ask your pastor if this is honest, acceptable behavior.
Sara, if you are a Natchez resident sending your child illegally to school in Vidalia you are a LIAR and you make me sick!

Why dont you go to YOUR church and ask YOUR pastor if judging people and saying things like "you make me sick!" is "honest, acceptable behavior"?!!

IT is so funny you speak of values when you are outright judging someone in the same sentence. WHAT DOES THAT TEACH YOUR KIDS? Judgemental people are still alive and well in Natchez, MS. Yet another reason why I am so proud for "cheating the system" and not going to Ntz schools.

Lack of values huh? HA! Go ahead and ask about my success, THEN you can decide if I have a "lack of values".

It sounds to me like you have never been in this situation, or you must have plenty of money probably handed to you from someone else. If the case, then you, my dear, make me sick!

Posted by lookingout (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

amen obamayamama i am not in this situation yet but my little girl starts school next year and she will not go to te public schools in natchez and i cant afford private schools

Posted by oldhippie01 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's basic math folks. You PAY TAXES in Natchez Mississippi and send your Children to School in Vidalia LOUISIANA. Believe me, I certainly understand why, but the bottom line is that Louisiana can't afford to educate your Children, while you pay your taxes to Mississippi. I would suggest that you write a letter to the Editor of the Natchez Democrat and demand that they FOCUS on NATCHEZ SCHOOLS, ask embarasing questions of your Mayor, your Police Chief, Attend School Board meetings and raise hell. Contact other Parents and organize and make everybody miserable until the problems are resolved, thats how Vidalia Schools got to where they are,( which could be better, but all things are relative).
Failing that, we have a lot of Homes for Sale cheap over here in Vidalia.......

Posted by oldhippie01 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

P.S. Better hurry though, because when Obama gets elected, "We'll all be drinking that free bubble-up and eatin that Rain Bow Stew" and those Houses will be scooped up, LOL......

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oldhippie01 you are as dumb as happybunny you dont know what taxes these people pay you dont know their history.

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vidalia is a great place to live. I love coming back and visiting family there. Too bad the job market is scarse. If I could earn a decent living, I would move back.
The only thing Vidalia is lacking is social areas (aka.. bars)! Going to Natchez bars get EXPENSIVE! See, Natchez gets the best end of both deals, they get more tax dollars from parents who send their kids to Vidalia AND from people like me who go spend WAY TOO MUCH money at the bars!

Come on people in Vidalia, somebody open up a new "Levee Club"! You will make some money!

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Sara, you dont know how to use a period which should be what separates your sentences. Oldhippie, I would not even attempt to argue.

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

obamayamama you should know that you never begin a sentence with the word AND!!!

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is that all you could come up with Sara? AND since when can't you? As a general rule, I AM ALLOWED TO USE THE WORD "AND" to begin a sentence when showing more emphasis on the word "And".
Should I even comment on your lack of upper- case letter usage (which is not existant).

Your hypocritical name-calling followed by your illeracy is certainly entertaining. You must NOT have went to school in Vidalia.

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can't even spell obamayamama so I am done with you have a great day!! One more thing I did not use upper-case letters because your ignorant and didn't when you set your name up!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on October 1, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Illiteracy??

Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on October 1, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you're

Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on October 1, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since we're being critical, I thought I'd help y'all out a little bit!! :) Fun, huh, Obamayamama????

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey thanks firered... I meant to do that.

Sara, huh? uhhh ok

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can you people please start coming up with more words to use besides ignorant, stupid, and dumb. Those words are just so exhausted on here!

haha! You are done with me, huh Sara! HA, you wish you could control me like that. All I was doing was fishing and you caught the bait. It is all too easy to come across people like you... calling everyone else dumb as if you are the smartest. Maybe I will throw you back and try again later being sure to keep my fingers crossed for a REAL TREAT!

Posted by Sara (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL at least you guys have kept me occupied today. Thanks for that.

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for you Firered, shouldnt you be at Dimples? Lord knows the place always needs some cleaning. You should go in early and show everyone what a great employee you are.

Posted by drdr (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if it's truly about taxes paid in Louisiana, then those people who work in Louisiana should be exceptions-- but they're not. Or is it the less than 100 dollar property tax to live in Vidalia that you're worried about? and Vidalia people-- stay out of Duncan Park. it is kept up by tax money from the people who live in ms. I hope none of you judgmental self-righteous people play golf there. Don't you people think there are more important things going on in the world than to be parading around excited b/c you kicked 12 kindegarteners and 1st graders out of school? they're babies. You're cruel.

Posted by mcmy (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel bad for the parents who only want the best for their children and feel really bad for the children that now have to attend Ferriday or Natchez public schools. I understand why the people in Concordia Parish are upset but I also understand the frustration of the parents that are sending their children to school illegally. I live in Natchez and own a business in Natchez and it makes me so angry that I pay so many taxes and yet I still have to pay nearly $5000 a year in private school tuition. The school system needs serious help and until things change I wouldnt count on too much growth here in Natchez.

Posted by firered (Elizabeth Geter) on October 1, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know if I were still an employee there, that would be a good idea. But whatever. Be hostile all you want... I didn't come on here to be ridiculed by someone so asinine as yourself... Thanks though!

Posted by fuzzmonkey (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mcmy it's not about kicking kids out of first grade. It's about what's right and sending kids over there illegally isn't. It's gone on for years and just because they're finally trying to fix the problem doesn't make them wrong. I guess because you disagree with this we shouldn't have school districts at all. Just let anyone go anywhere they want too. I guess they could make the boneheaded move that got the Natchez Schools in trouble in the first place. Lets combine Ferriday and Vidalia's schools and see how long it takes for both to look like Ferriday High. We could let Mr. West head up the integration since he did such a great job in Natchez.

Comparing 13 years of free education to an occasional golf game is kind of funny. Surely you have something better than that!

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OOOH NEW WORD firered. Asinine - of or acting like an ***

That's great! I love it! I have been meaning to ask you, got an extra Dimples shirt I can borrow? I know it's probably a 4T in size, but I could make it work. It would be a good attention getter!
I know Sara, doesnt it make the time go back so much faster.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey fuzzmonkey...

I like that. I have said for years now that the 1990 consolidation of Natchez Schools was going to be the slow death of Natchez...seems to be heading that way now.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

redusmfan, Sorry but I disagree with your assesment of when the problem started. It began with the birth of the segregation academies. That is why the counties along the river from here to Missouri are so impoverished. All the extra disposable income of so many families goes into the private schools. Move away from the river area and communities are more economically vibrant.

Posted by iameubu (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The obvious problem here is GOVERNMENT. Cut taxes 70%. Money saved by citizens could be spent according to their own wishes, supporting the methodology each agrees with. Also make things 'fee for service'. All schools charge tuition. Think of it . Vidalia could remain secular, institute even better disciplinary codes such as; talk back to the teacher did you? Go see the VP and take your swats. Many parents would flock to that. Natchez could become the haven for those who think every sentence should begin with MF. (* As a side note here. I was in a local fast food establishment a couple of months ago waiting at the counter when a young man, about 5 or 6 years of age, came in and said something to one of the women behind the counter. Her reply was " GO get your MF a$$ back out in the MF car!" I don't wear her shoes so can't pass judgement, but do know that I'll be more cautious from now on if my grandkids are along.)
Learn if you want, we won't interfere. The private schools could remain as they are, at least trying to teach moral values and social responsibility. Though shalt not bear false witness.

Posted by eagle96 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bottom line is FOLLOW THE RULES and send your children where they are suppose to go to school at. If you don't like the schools,MOVE!!!!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

southernlady1776, there's another alternative. You could always move, like you suggested to me a few days back. (insert little yellow smiley face here)

Posted by lattelovingal (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know if this was addressed or not, but at the end of school last year, letters were sent out that stated that the residency issue would be strictly enforced, and that all children entering new schools, had to show proof before they would be allowed to begin. Open house at EVERY school was chaotic, because kids who had no proof of residency were not listed in classes. Then, you had voting records showing up on parents in July, and their kids have been in the Vidalia system for say, 5 years??? And you JUST registered to vote? I know its a desperate situation. But I am glad that they finally have someone in the position that is actually doing the job. I know its frustrating, I have many friends that live in Natchez that send their kids to school here, and many that live in Ferriday and Ridgecrest that send their kids here. My heart goes out to them, but laws and mandates are just that. They are in place for a reason.

Posted by NTZglasshouses (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jake Middleton - I sure hope you are reading this. You want to leave a legacy and not be a forgotten "who was that guy that was mayor back when...." - Then pay attention. The same citizens that voted you in seem to have a MAJOR issue here. Do something about it.

When North Natchez/South Natchez were around, Natchez was a wonderful place. How can a town of 30,000 +/- afford 3 private schools? Its because we are all paying every extra dime towards private schools, while paying enourmous property taxes to fund our public schools. You know this perfectly well, you have lots of family that graduated from area private schools. This should be your priority # 1.

My plan for Natchez:

Reopen North Natchez High School (by proving to the school board its needed). How to prove this? I would bet 90% of Natchez would sign that petition...black or white. Remember, North Natchez students wanted to keep their school just as bad as South Natchez students.

After the school system is in check, your job recruiting industry will be much much easier (good schools are something industry really likes to see when considering your town.) So now we have schools, and the ability to draw industry, maybe that gazillion dollar Convention center will be used. Maybe these hotels can start filling up, (other than only been at capacity during balloon race). Maybe we wouldnt need 3 casinos to keep this town afloat. Wow, what a legacy you would leave. You could be the man that saves Natchez. Or, we could bury our heads in the sand and you could be remembered as the guy who helped repave a few roads.

Posted by concernedrn (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regardless of the known opinion of whether the school is right/wrong to throw these kids out vs. parents being wrong to cheat and send their kids to schools when they don't live there....I feel for the children. The children didn't make these decisions, the parents did, and it's all just very sad.

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ntzglasshouses: First of all Natchez only had 18,464 people as of 8 years ago according to the 2000 Census, and I seriously doubt we have grown... If anything, we have lost most of our major employers, and I would be willing to bet we are more in the 16,000+ range now. Natchez has never had 30,000 residents. In regards to having 2 public high schools, that will never happen unless we did have a major population boom. Our problem goes deeper than having two public high schools---one majority white, one majority black back in the "good ole days" according to you. We have a majority black population in this area, and here it is 2008, and we still are "segregated" with all the white kids attending private schools. I have to admit that I would not send my kids to "Gangster High".... I've walked that campus and you would not believe how out of control it is between class changes----filthy language, and kids acting like a bunch of uncaged animals.... I don't see anything good coming out of that situation..... and I don't think there are any simple answers on how to fix it...... I wish we could just go to government vouchers and you could send your kid where ever you would like to send them---public or private. The lousy school systems would just have to shut down...

Posted by hollywood (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't normally post.... but I do have a suggestion. Let's do what is right and legal. Now if you don't like what is right and legal (which is attending the school in your reisdency zone) you can either A. work with local political leaders to change the law or B. MOVE! It's just that simple; and I didn't have to call anyone ignorant :)

Posted by presby (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your hypocritical name-calling followed by your ILLERACY is certainly entertaining<<<Seems like we all misspell a word or two round here......ILLIERATE?ILLETERACY?? I don,t think ILLERACY is a wurd..hahahaha.Your bad omahayamahama.

Your hypocritical name-calling followed by your ILLERACY is certainly entertaining. You must NOT have went to school in Vidalia.

ILLERACY ain,t a wurd..hahahahaha...cepn in yobonics maybee

Posted by presby (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe it,s about having to go to school with gangs,pulling between their legs and spitting out the mf word every 3 seconds. Vicitimizing folks,doing as they please and screaming i been done wrong from daylight till dark.
Ruining the few good ones who try to sift through the rubble they call school.

Posted by presby (anonymous) on October 2, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All should follow the rules or be expelled permantely. Or if they do enough wrong,but them in jail. Lock the door and throw away the key. This world is getting dog eat dog and more cruel every second..Miss Goody 2 shoes won,t cut it anymore. The thugs and theifs running the streets are hardcore. You have to fight fire with fire.Some will pop a cap on you and laugh all day about it.