Jackson Jambalaya

I would fully support this.

Mississippi has 163 school districts. We do not need 164. I know Flowood has sour grapes over the recent bond vote, but the solution is to oust the current RCSD leadership (including NWR's beloved Ann Sturdivant and her three decades on the Board) and put an end to the cronyism that voters rejected when they rejected the bond issue -- not create yet another school district which would result in us having twice the number of school districts as counties in this state.

Another district, another supervisor, another administrative team, another administrative office, another form of bloat...just what we do NOT need

How about consolidating districts? We have too many as is...

Seconded.

Seconded to the Kap'n that is. If you are against this you have not walked in the hallways of the schools. Something has to be done, and the current admin is content sitting on their hands.

Agree but only to a point. Do Not, DO NOT consolidate a lousy disctrict with a great one. All that does is kill both (see the the merger of Warren Central: good and Vicksburg: bad). PLEASE don't ever merge Madison County schools with Canton schools. That would end the best school system in the state.
As for lousy school systems? Take over and clean house. Use the Conservator to recruit decent teachers and cut the fat, administrators at the top and put the money for the kids.
The focus should be about educating kids. It should not be about providing jobs in the educational systems.

I live in the district and I support this. However - who would be the new superintendent? That person could simply run against Weathersby. They'd win in a landslide and the problem would be over.

12:43, agreed but the problem with your idea is that it can't happen for another 4 years. We need to address our problems now.

The portable classrooms are not tied down for bad weather.

After some lofty debate today, I would venture a guess that Flowood will make it happen very quickly. Its the money stupid. And I'm all for it! Go Mayor Rhodes! Please annex us! I know it will never happen, but I can dream.

If you deduct the pine straw, the cost of employing family members, fill dirt from the board attourney and non 16th section land cost for school property. Flowood could make this happen for a fraction of spending going on now by Lynn and co.BTW it's Rhoads.

Thank you for editing.

Another school district is NOT needed. If you are not happy with what is/is not going on, then write, telephone, email, bug the hell out of your representative on the RCSD board. They are elected into this position and should be held accountable as much as Weathersby...if not more.

Attend board meetings. Granted, the meetings are held at 8:30am which is means most parents have to take off work. Why do you think meetings are held at that time???

School board representatives should should be visiting their respective schools on a regular basis. They don't.

5:04, thanks for the lecture.

What are your recommendations if one's school board representative is the only one on the board trying to get things done (Farmer)? What if I cannot get off work to attend a meeting? What then?

Awaiting your thoughts...

If Farmer is your school board rep and you appreciate how he is doing his job, tell him so.

Complements, complaints, or concerns...let the RCSD board know. They have allowed Weathersby too much leeway over the years and really should be asking him some serious questions.

Parents/voters need to be asking Board members serious questions also. Remember...write, telephone, email, bug the hell out of 'em. If you're pleased...tell them. If you're pissed...tell them.

Even if one can't attend Board meetings, one can (drumroll, please)...write, telephone, email, bug the hell out of 'em. Just don't whine.

I'm 5:04 and those are my thoughts.

All you complainers who don't want to pass bonds, cool. Enjoy your board. My kiddos fall under this assumption of schooling, just in time for High School too. Cannot wait. What does this mean for your home values if you are outside the ISD? They do not appreciate as fast as ours. How does the old saying go? You have to spend money to make money?

Your shortsightedness will be your downfall when Flowood Independent School District outperforms all others.

As for your problem attending the meetings, why not take a day off, I mean it is for your kids.

To be precise, the RCSD School board meetinga are at 7 a.m. And they were not put there to discourage parents. It was to keep the news media out of their business. Thank your local education reporter that we EVER hear ANYTHING this bunch does with the schools.

Grumpy Farmer brings absolutely nothing to the table except a NO vote. He has stated that he will not vote for anything for Northwest Rankin. Really, how is that for education. He is an embarrassment to Rankin County. You know the saying, "If the name fits" well, it does. He brings NO added value to a the board or education.

Local Education Reporter? Dustin Barnes?

He couldn't write about facts if they were written down for him.

And if you are including a blog inside this discussion, I would point to the presentation of nothing more than the agenda. Commentary is reserved for comments. No real reporting there.