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photo by Steve VanGunda
Morris Stanton hits the ground running as the new Natchez-Adams School District Assistant Superintendent. Stanton transferred to the district from the Canton Public School District.
NASD gets news assistant superintendent
Published Saturday, June 21, 2008
NATCHEZ — On Monday Morris Stanton was employed by the Canton Public School District, but by Thursday was working for the Natchez-Adams School District.
In executive session at the school board’s June 12 meeting Stanton was approved as the district’s new assistant superintendent.
Stanton, 48, originally from Natchez, said he was looking forward to getting to work in the Natchez-Adams District.
“I want to roll up my sleeves and put in more than a day’s work,” he said.
And Stanton should not have much trouble getting adjusted to his new position as assistant superintendent.
For the past seven and a half years Stanton was the assistant superintendent of human resources in the Canton Public School District.
Before that Stanton spent more than two decades working in various education related positions across Mississippi.
District Superintendent Anthony Morris said Stanton’s diverse work experiences made him an ideal candidate to fill the district’s opening.
“He came well qualified,” Morris said.
Stanton earned a master’s degree from Alcorn State University in Guidance Education and an educational doctorate degree in Education Leadership from Mississippi State University in 2002.
While Stanton’s credentials have helped him to achieve his new position, he said his past experiences with students will help him to be a productive administrator.
In his initial employment stint with the Canton Public School District Stanton worked as the district’s student counselor and helped to develop the district’s counseling program.
Stanton said working in that capacity was very valuable and ultimately altered his decision to go into school administration.
“I could see a disconnect from administration to counselors in what students need,” he said. “That’s when I decided I wanted to go into administration.”
Stanton said he could see a benefit in working one-on-one with students as a counselor but recognized a greater opportunity to help students on a larger scale as an administrator.
And that commitment to working with the young is what Stanton said he has been called to do.
“We’re here to shape young minds,” he said. “That’s something you have to be called to do.”
Stanton said his main objective in his new role, aside from assisting Morris, is to help produce well educated, contributing citizens that can give back to their communities.
“It’s education,” he said. “When you get to the end of the day that’s what it’s about.”
Comments
Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Roll up his sleeves? He better put on some boxing gloves, flak jacket and get a police escort.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 3 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know if the curriculum for the NASD schools is online anywhere?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 3:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That NASD website is a big disappointment. NASD sucks up federal tax dollars I pay into but the site won't let me into the areas I want to see. I wonder how many of the parents who can get passwords to those areas go there. And I wonder why even parents are restricted from the teacher areas. That doesn't seem right or open to me.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 4:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh great, another Administrator from planet "elsewhere". So, he used to be in Natchez? WHEN, for how long and in what capasity? What does our local school board have against promoting "our own" qualified and certified people from Natchez? Dr. Harold Wayne Barnett has given his hard earned heart and sole to this school district for decades and he is just thumped at, again. Citizens of Natchez and Adams county need answers as to why the locals are always over looked. I believe Dr. Willie Hoskin was the last local upper level administrator hired to this school district, and he was a FANTASTIC, CARING superintendent. We need answers. The school board needs to be thumped OUT.
Posted by singlemom (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree with you NtzMom55. Every time an administrative position becomes available, there are district employees who apply but never get an interview. Whats up with that? Dr. Barnett has always given 110% and really cares about the district but as you said he got kicked in the face, once again. And he's not the only one who has been kicked in the face within the district.
Posted by unclered (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The only restricted areas on the NASD web site are the areas for employees' email and SAMS6, which is an online grade book for teachers and where students' personal information is kept. Why should the public have access to those areas?
Posted by foreveryoung (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you singlemom and NtzMom.....what is the town doing? I was born and raised here in Natchez and I'm sorry to say I hate it here....the school district is the main reason! Dr. Barnett would have made a great Asst with his education as well!! That's a slap in the face to him and many others! It will only get worse people!
Posted by c_8512 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The curriculum NASD follows, except for the weeks preceeding the state tests, is the Mississippi Frameworks that can be found on the state website.
Stanton worked for the Canton School System for seven and a half years. This is a critical teacher shortage district, and many of the schools are already in the state improvement plan, and the rest appear to be headed that way.
PERHAPS the NASD wanted someone who has experience with failing schools so they will already be familiar, and will be able to help, with the state take-over procedures.
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats Morris!
NASD produced Morris...he is a walking talking breathing example of what can be done.
What a fine family of brothers...what a fine example of what our schools should be producing!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 9:14 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by natchezlady1 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With all due respect, aesa, what exactly are we congratulating Anthony Morris for? Are we congratulating him for a complete disconnect from students and parents alike? Or maybe it is the complete lack of direction in which our school system now suffers from? Perhaps, it is the sad fact that many of the graduating seniors have no idea who William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, or Richard Wright is and their significance to Mississippi. Better yet, maybe we should congratulate him on the fact that since he has been superintendent, our school system is a joke locally and an example of what NOT to become statewide and nationally. I am troubled by the idea that some feel Morris is a success when those he is responsible for leading are falling terribly by the wayside. I am not oblivious to the fact that all of NASD problems are not a direct result of the incompetences of its superintendent. I realize that some parents contribute to their child's misconduct and lack of education. However, there is a lot to be said for the difference in educational quality from the years of Dr. Hoskins to Morris. I agree with fire39212 in the previous comment about his abilities (or lack thereof) as principal. I witnessed Morris as principal and was astonished when he became superintendent. It was only a matter of time, I regret to say, that the school system would begin to decline. Any system, structure, or administration is only as good as it's leader. Unfortunately we do not have this in Natchez. We have a man with a degree who is clueless as to how to run a school system. Please understand, a doctorate degree only means that you have satisfied the curriculum in order to obtain this degree. It in no way guarantees that the individual with the degree will know what to do. Case and Point: Anthony Morris.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And the bell tolls....as the town burns.....will the last EDUCATED person to leave town please turn out the lights.......
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"....will the last EDUCATED person to leave town please turn out the lights......."
redusmfan, the dimmer switch has been turning towards the left since Dr. Hoskin was removed as Superintendent.
....when the light shines no more, the rats and roaches shall play.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gosh I hope this guy can make a difference. If he can get the attention of the kid's parents and "the powers that be", then he may have a chance. Bless his heart...I wonder if he realizes what he's walking into.
Anybody remember the movie "Lean on Me"? About the principal who came into the ghetto school and turned it around by simply paying attention to the students and encouraging them to better themselves. That's what Natchez needs...someone to buck the system, come what may. This means getting rid of Scandalous Morris and replacing him with someone whose record speaks for itself. I'll bet that person is right here in town and would be glad to have the opportunity.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Morris was from here he wasn't a good principal he surely isn't a good Superintendent .....Good luck to Mr. Morris Stanton....
Let's see if this one stays last one didn't.
Posted by teacher (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, Dr. Morris gets bashed.
God bless NASD!!!
I think I'll stay with FCSD.
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I meant congrats to Morris Stanton!!! I have no clue who Anthony Morris is!!!!
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...I can't help but add one more comment. The solution to NASD is not one more man or woman being added to the administrative or teaching staff. The solution is at the homes of the kids that attend the schools.
Kids need to view education as an opportunity, not as something that is a chore.
The administrators and teachers certainly need all the help they can get all over our nation, but it is silly, dishonest, and unfair to
blame them for the problems that exist at public and private schools.
The kids and several of the posters need to open a book and do some reading!!!!
Think before you post! Think!!!!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When you have a principal that is scared to do his job. Then he is moved to Superintendent..I mean come on.The middle school ran him out of there then he went to the high school to do absolutly nothingNow he is Superintendent doing the same ole thing.....
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The comments of unclered and aesa are so logical...Why would the public need to see personal information????The teaching field is the one that is always judged so harshly.Parents need to be more supportive of the persons hired to teach your children.....Education begins at home. That includes academics as well as respect.
Posted by Lilsister (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone please tell me where all of the good, stable, intelligent, and caring employees of the Natchez Public System have gone. Has anyone heard where Mrs. Brooks, Mr. Givens, Mr. Hooper, Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Mason, Dr. Barnett,Mrs. Butler, Dr. Murphy, Mr. Steve Davis, and many, others have gone? Please do not tell me they left for more money. I know that Concordia Parish, Jefferson County , and Wilkinson County do not pay more than the Natchez System. The gas alone will eat up most of the paychecks. Mrs. Tutor and Mrs. Mitchell have gone to other systems also. The common factor with all of these people leaving appears to be the superintendent.
I am quite happy about the hiring of Mr. Morris Stanton, and I know he will hit the ground running and make a difference. We should have hired him when we brought Dr. Morris back. I think he interviewed for the job.
Posted by cali_blue (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats, Mr.Stanton ,I know you'll do a great job.I don't know much about the Natchez school system,but i do know Morris Stanton, his hard work and dedication will help the schools.Good luck Morris from Big Blue (MVSU).
Posted by kayce (anonymous) on June 21, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vidalia 1..great comment!! I know Dr. Stanton personally and he is a great guy. He trully has the kids best interest at heart...so congrats Dr. Stanton. I know you will do well.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Relax, unclered and vidalia1. No one wants to see any students personal information- such information should not be on a website, pass protected or not. What should be open to the public are the data collections and explanations of how the data is used, as that is of primary importance to tax payers. How do we know the school system is doing things we don't want it doing?
I happen to know that electronic records are being kept on students in some states that include value judgements of moral character, untrained psychological diagnosis, and other onerous and injurious information that is intended to be passed to future employers as part of school-to-work programs. A child's future could be affected by teacher or administrator with a grudge, or one that is just inept or egotistical.
The public has a right to know what it pays for.
Posted by educated1 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The fact that the school district has dwindled is the root of this problem. It is also caused by the fact that certain parents complain to the principal or even higher administration because they feel that their child is being given too much work even though the work is far below grade level to begin with. They don't want real teachers to teach they want you to give grades and that is why our children can not progress or even catch up to the rest of the country. BASSACKWARD thinking on the part of the parent and admin. Real teachers defy this and continue teaching regardless of what they say because if we don't teach them, who will?
Posted by educated1 (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Givens, Dangerfield and Mason are in CONCORDIA probably making less money but enjoying the atmosphere of less confusion no doubt. Heard that Hooper was somewhere near Wilkinson County. These were people that cared about the education of the children and did everything possible to make sure they got what they needed. They are probably truly missed by the kids they taught while they were at the middle school. It is a shame we lost such troopers.
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My opinion on NASD has always been that it went to hell in a handbastket around 1990 when they messed up the public schools because they (One of the Wests) felt that the schools werent integrated. I went into my 6th grade year under the new "integrated," school system and no one was happy-black and white children and parents alike. I know this has no relevance today but I still long for the days of my childhood-I was a proud McLaurin Tiger-not a bulldog. I came around though and was even a Bulldog cheerleader. I am rambling, I have no point, I wanna jump into a time machine and go back to 5th grade when the auditorium was still the auditorium and we had recess and a football team at McLaurin. Those were the days, it saddens me that my children may never know the joys and simplicity of the childhood I experienced. Congratulations to Mr. Stanton-I hope he is the Joe Carter that is needed for NASD!
Posted by msjxngrl (anonymous) on June 25, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
c_8512...when you spoke about the rest of the district in Canton failing..please speak the truth.. I am an educator for the Canton Public Schools. I am from the level 4 school here in Canton. We will not be below that. I hated to see Stanton leave. I've worked with Stanton for a while. Now you can't blame the administrator for the condition of the community. Canton has other problems that goes far beyond...the School System. Probably alot like Natchez.. So know your area before speaking the negatives....Dr. Stanton can handle the job...It is just a shame how he left our district.
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