Saturday, September 23, 2017

JPS sues MDE over takeover.

The Jackson Public School District asked a Hinds County Circuit Court to stop the Mississippi Department of Education from assuming control of the district.  JPS filed the petition for a temporary restraining order today and preliminary injunction.  JPS filed a similar petition last week in Hinds County Chancery Court but Chancellor Dewayne Thomas said he lacked jurisdiction to rule on the petition.  The case is assigned to Judge Bill Gowan.


JPS argued that it should have been given thirty days to respond to a 700 page audit of the district but was given only eight days to respond by MDE. The petition claims that MDE denied the district's right to due process.  JPS Counsel Joanne Sheperd represents JPS.  The petition is posted below.  A group of parents of JPS students also sued MDE in federal court in another attempt to stop a takeover of JPS. 


28 comments:

Anonymous said...

JPS is only suing to save the myriad useless jobs on the payroll.

Justice for Tyrion said...

I don't think the JJ readers understand how painful this is for the Jackson community. You basically have the white power structure in MS (through MDE) telling the Jackson community that they are no longer in control of their destiny in regards to education. The good folks of Jackson understand that fundamental changes have to be made but this is not the answer. This is the good ole boys with pointy hats abusing power in a manner that harkens back to the Jim Crow era.

Now Here's A Plan... said...

Just when you thought this could not get more laughable, the Clarion reports this morning that mayor Loboomba has recommended the City of Jackson be put in charge of JPS.

Anonymous said...

5:54am "The white power structure"? Good Lord. They are following the law that the Legislature--including black Legislators--voted for. Please stop being unhelpful with the racial conspiracy theories and recognize that this is a problem 20 years in the making that has gotten so bad that the state has recognized it can no longer ignore it. "F" schools not "black" schools are the focus.

Anonymous said...

JPS probably warrants takeover, but Commission and the Board ought to follow their own audit rules, which give the school district superintendent 30 school days to respond in writing to the audit.

Anonymous said...

5:54 AM

It's "in regard to" and not "in regards to."

And when you literally have kids lives in the balance, every minute counts.

JPS has failed thousands of kids and left MS holding the bag.

I'm not sure the state is equipped to handle JPS but one thing we know for sure is that JPS cannot do the job.

Take it over. Throw the bums out. Save some lives.

Anonymous said...

JPS is made up of mostly black leaders. JJ has given us facts that the JPS system is failing. The MDE has given ample opportunities to correct the problems that are chronic and run rampant through JPS. The leaders (and yes the black leaders) have to be held accountable. After all, the funds are distributed through their administration. The state and the city have nothing to do with the administration of public education in JPS. The race card will not get you far in life except for misery, resentment, bitterness, and hatred. Why blame the white man for this? The white man has not been in charge of JPS for several decades. Blaming will not solve the problem (and in this case, PROBLEMS!)

Anonymous said...

JPS cannot be fixed. Move along folks. There's nothing to see here.

Anonymous said...

554..in case you missed it the destiny of jackson is total ruin. JPS CLEARLY can't do the job. So you're ok with letting the failure go on as long as only black folks stay in power??? Youre a special kind of racist aren't you? Its people like you that have brought Jackson to what it is today...great job

Anonymous said...

@ Justice - JPS hasn't been in control of the school system for a long time. Consultants with short-term plans, showing zero results run their "handlers" in central office and study how to grow the enterprise, rather than improve it. The teachers are inept and are petrified of the students, the parents don't give a shit about their children's academic advancement and the schools are unsafe and unclean. Just like with the justice system in the city/county I'm at a loss as to where to even begin...

Sad, because I know there have to be some students who want to succeed and improve their chance at a better life.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad the issue is assigned to Judge Gowan. He's a straight shooter, unimpressed with racial hysteria, and unflappable when it comes to applying the law to the facts.

Anonymous said...

@8:40,
How can you say that "the teachers are inept?" Most of the teachers in JPS are trying to do the best they can with meager resources, an unpredictable and often inept administration, and stupid window dressing "improvements."
Visit any JPS high school and you will meet many teachers who care about the students as well as students who care about their own education.

Anonymous said...

@9:16
Your making the case for a state takeover of JPS... "meager resources" yes bc JPS spends more money outside of the classroom than any other school district and receives more money per student. It's all spent outside of classrooms. Look at the stats. Needs a major overhaul. Sounds like you agree with this wreck less spending by administration within JPS. I also live in jackson. However, I don't dare send my 3 kids to JPS...

Anonymous said...

9:16 Maybe with state help those teachers and students may have an opportunity to make a difference in our city and state.

Anonymous said...

"Justice for Tyrion" is a troll. Always has been. Ignore him.

Anonymous said...

I want my money back from those thieves that run JPS and I want it in cash!

Anonymous said...

Look most people in NE Jackson would love there money back that JPS spends and we use other schools for our kids education. The school my kids attend is much more diverse and offers a better education than JPS. No diversity at JPS nor is money being spent in the classrooms. Its theft.

Anonymous said...

I actually had to deal with a City of Jackson employee recently in regard to a business matter, and the person in question was competent, well informed, and committed to serving the citizens of Jackson. It was an epiphany in that I was inclined to view city employees through the same lens as the City's leaders. I now see that there are plenty of good people working for Jackson, but they are hobbled by the nitwits actually in charge. As an aside, I also have met the new Mayor, and found him much more pleasant than his reprehensible father. He could have established himself as a true statesman if he had said "what has been perpetrated on the children of Jackson is a disgrace... I support the State take-over, and my administration will work with the state to address this appalling situation." However, he went to the default position, letting us know, early on, that he'll just be the latest in the recent line of failed Mayors. What a waste of an opportunity. There is no bravery in politics. More of the same as Jackson slides into third- world banana republic status.

Anonymous said...

KF- Guess you don't like folks thinking this is a "family unit" problem? Do you think that's too racist and sensitive to say... that you wouldn't post my earlier comment?

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this is just coincidental or if it was planned but for the past 3 days a certain talk show station the MHSAA has been promoting the advantages of high school sports and placing emphasis on how sports make athletes leaders in their communities. Looks as though that failed miserably in The JPS District also. In order to become leaders you have to be literate. Do you see my point? Just giving grades and diplomas to these "so called scholars" doesn't cut it anymore. I sure don't like how JPS has wasted funds and I wonder how much has to go down the drain on athletics before the bleeding stops. Start teaching first, with that extra 10 million they get. I'm still in shock and speechless. If it were a white district The State Auditor would be all over this. What's wrong with this picture?

Anonymous said...

6:10pm: YES!!! Totally agree. The Mayor swapped an opportunity to lead magnanimously and decided to needlessly incite his base (he won with 90%+ vote margin).

TO THE MAYOR: The outcome is a foregone conclusion. The State will take-over, as Phil Bryant has indicated he will sign the Declaration in October. Cut your losses and please, please lead the City by saying the situation is dire and kids' education are more important that grown folks' jobs.

Anonymous said...

6:10 - agree with your observations about the city worker and the Mayor. Afraid though that the Mayor showed his true colors earlier when he ran up to Madison County to fight against Nissan with Bernie and crowd. And when he showed up with the jury to support RSS (who of course comes from a politically powerful family in the city). Now, instead of dealing with the pile of problems on his plate he wants to make the argument that he and the city can run JPS - when they can't even run the water department.

A much better position to show his leadership and potential would have been to stand up against the loud-mouth racist chanting individuals who claim to be leaders in the Jackson black community and offered to do all he and the city could do to help the state fix JPS. But no - just as in the other cases, he has to play to his base because it fits his plan for KUSH.

(BTW, the 90% vote is very misleading - a general election vote with no opposition of merit. Even offered high paying jobs to the weak opponents so that he could push the numbers up. His 50%+ vote in the primary is worthy of note and offers good bragging rights; but the 90% is garbage fourth quarter points.)

The Homework eating Dog said...

"Now, instead of dealing with the pile of problems on his plate he wants to make the argument that he and the city can run JPS - when they can't even run the water department."

Kind of like skraight piping JPS student scholars into JSU, Alcorn, Valley, Tougaloo.......

Anonymous said...

I honestly could not care less how the people of Jackson feel about this.

The remaining "people of Jackson" are, by definition, those who could not bring themselves to rent an apartment in Clinton or Flowood, but instead thought it was fine to let their kids rot in failing schools.

It's one thing if you live in the Delta and are dirt poor. But if you're renting in the metro area anyway, and decent schools are literally twenty minutes away, but you still let your children suffer, you don't get to have an opinion.

Your kids will become our problem as taxpayers unless we equip them with basic skills now. You failed to do that, so you don't get to talk.

Anonymous said...

1:34
Also many people live in Jackson that send kids to prep in massive numbers and JA St Andrews etc... come to NE Jackson or CC of Jackson etc... people left in Jackson are those that are lower income and those that have a large amount of money... no middle class

Anonymous said...

@6:44
I agree with you 100% the MHSAA is only pushing this idea to have a voice in this fight!!! Also, It's amazing to me that people are having a conversation about sports during this process. That alone potentially may explain a lot of the problem. I think sports are fantastic and help many students get ahead in life. However I certainly wouldn't focus on that at the moment. Let schools be a institution of learning rather than an incubator of athletic programs.

Apartment Number Nine.. said...

"But if you're renting in the metro area anyway, and decent schools are literally twenty minutes away, but you still let your children suffer, you don't get to have an opinion."

I had not thought of that, but it's the truth. So many of these parents are renting anyway, few are home owners. So why not rent in an area that has decent schools where your child can jump off this merry go round and escape the cycle?

This only proves that a lot of these 'parents' are satisfied with their children's educational lot in life. As long as the chirruns is gone for most of the day....I be free.

Anonymous said...

9:06, Something like that would mean all of those government rent checks would go to another city.



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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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