Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Mayor opposes JPS takeover

Still under the weather but a couple of posts will go up.  The City of Jackson issued the following statement on a possible takeover of JPS:

No State Takeover of Jackson Public Schools!


A state takeover of Jackson Public Schools is on the agenda for the Commission on School Accreditation meeting on Wednesday, September 13, and the State Board of Education on Thursday, September 14. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba will join students, parents, community leaders, faith leaders, business leaders and other city leaders in support of the Jackson Public Schools District today at 2pm to show support for JPS at the Mississippi Department of Education, 359 West St., Jackson, MS 39201. Mayor Lumumba states, “We’re preparing to do whatever it takes to ensure the stability of the school system and to do whatever is in the best interest of Jackson Public School
students.”

1. The Jackson Public School District has addressed and corrected a substantial number of the audit findings in the Audit Report released on Thursday, August 31, 2017.

2. Our students, parents and community members stand ready to work in partnership with the district to address the remaining issues within our purview.

3. Many of the audit findings that form the basis of this proposed takeover are administrative and procedural, not educational in nature; yet, a state takeover will directly and negatively impact the instructional capacity and effectiveness of the district.

4. State takeovers of school districts do not yield improvements in student achievement; rather, more often than not, student achievement is stagnated during the short term and delayed over the long term.

5. State takeovers diminish community engagement and involvement, necessary ingredients to increase and enhance district and student success.

6. Extracurricular activities are important components to student, school and community life. Students in Jackson deserve the right to participate in activities that will enhance their academic, social and emotional well-being while preparing for life after graduation.

7. This is Our Jackson Public Schools District, and we, the students, parents, community leaders, faith leaders and business leaders, should determine its future.

Kingfish note: A rally will be held at 2:00 PM today by the Mayor and other JPS supporters at the auditorium at MDE. The Mayor cancelled the meeting of the Sales Tax Commission tomorrow so due to the MDE hearing scheduled tomorrow.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

In response to item 7- ya'll already have. Bring in the state.

Anonymous said...

As a resident of Jackson who doesn't use JPS for my children's education I can say this school district is a total disgrace and I find it typical that they're now playing the victim. Results are the reason for the takeover. Action is needed and JPS has proved they can't handle this task that the state requires of all districts. This was no surprise to anyone. They gave more than enough time to allow JPS a chance to make corrections and JPS has only themselves to blame. Bring in the state ASAP!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Simply put: we prefer to wallow in failure than change.

Anonymous said...

Good to know the mayor will cancel an important business meeting at the drop of a hat to hold a rally for perceived social injustice that is in fact directly caused by corruption and incompetence and the city's population tolerating corruption and incompetence for decades.

Anonymous said...

Jackson needs to drain the swamp. Which they will never do. Jackson residents love to wallow in the swamp.

Anonymous said...

The administration is what strangles the JPS school district.

It's a job factory for ignorant people.

The ones they've killed?

Their kids.

The state should remove every child and send them to school in another state and pay the bill.

Level the facilities and beg amazon to come to west Jackson.

Anonymous said...

I think that the city of Jackson should be indefinitely suspended and have the state re-appropriate the property between Pearl, Madison, Brandon, and Ridgeland. They can better run it.

No one has taken my seriously of Jackson volunteering to be a nuclear bomb test site, but maybe this idea will be more pragmatic.

Anonymous said...

I would love to go through COJ and poll the entire population with just one simple question: "If a white mayor could run the city better, would you vote for him?"

Anonymous said...

#4 "student achievement is stagnated during the short term"

stagnate synonyms: languish, decline, deteriorate, fall, become stagnant, do nothing, stand still, tread water, be sluggish

I thought this is what JPS has been doing for years and they say this is what the state takeover would cause.

I hope MDE is aggressive with this and moves on the take over ASAP. These clowns have done nothing but continue to fail students, taxpayers and teachers . The mayor now wants to make this some cause for community activism to keep from changing this cesspool of a school system. Disgusting.

Anonymous said...

There seems to be this strange notion that Jackson's mostly black population would accept the premise that the State of Mississippi means to improve any aspect of their lives, including education. Most, if not all, have lived with the well-earned distrust of anything run by the State of Mississippi and do not believe a state takeover is an automatic improvement. As bad as the JPS and it's leadership has been, the average Black citizen would rather trust possibly poor leadership from their own community than to surrender to the proven animosity of the State. If, for example, the threat were a federal takeover, most Black citizens would be more accepting because historically, the federal government has not shown the race-based bias or animosity towards the education of Black people that the State of Mississippi has demonstrated. In short, it's not the takeover, it's WHO is taking over. Please consider.

Anonymous said...

1:08PM...I would love for them to divvy up Jackson among the actual functioning counties that surround the area. Who would draw the short end of the stick and absorb S. Jackson? I really wish NE Jackson would just merge in with either Madison or Rankin County. Just draw the line from Fondren to Mule Jail.

Anonymous said...

Y'all are actually starting to use your heads.

Cut Jackson up in 1/4s and put the kids and their money in neighboring districts.

Fire every JPS employee and have them reapply at new schools.

Destroy JPS physical buildings.

Anonymous said...

BabyChok can't pass up an opportunity to posture and pontificate.

Anonymous said...

1:10 Of course they would. As long as he is a democrat. Black folks have never voted strictly by race, unlike whites. Ask Barbara Dunn and note McMillan. Must be a democrat though.

Anonymous said...

Anyone want to call Morgan Freeman to see if he can come down here and dust off that Joe Clark persona? I think we could really use it...

Anonymous said...

First the airport, then half of downtown, now JPS. Not saying it's a bad thing - but is sure is interesting to watch the State dismantle the capitol city piece by piece.

Anonymous said...

How many commenters left Jackson and now complain about the way Jackson functions in the absence of their vote and influence?

Anonymous said...

4:44 - Then half the downtown? I call bullshit on that. The legislature agreed to provide funding to help reconstruct the decayed infrastructure downtown, but it did not take that from the city. Dangit. Wish they had - would be a wonderful fix. But what they did was requested by the city, no - demanded by the city. Don't know how you can throw this one into the mix.

Anonymous said...

Here the link to the 680 page two-year investigation of JPS: http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/hot-topics/jackson-public-schools-audit-report.pdf?sfvrsn=2.

If the 34 year old youngin' Mayor read even portions of this report and still came to the conclusion "he got it" I seriously question his decision making abilities. Grades have gone down since probation as has grad rates and student violence

Anonymous said...

Seriously, the prescription to fix JPS, and save the city, is to break the district into 3 or 4 separate districts. This in contrary to consolidation efforts in other parts of the state, but sometime contrarian ideas work. For example: one district is Fondren/Belhaven/Eastover, with Murrah High, and Bailey as the Middle School. Ample elementary schools are there also. The existing district is obviously too large and complex for existing admin folks to handle. Chop it up.

Anonymous said...

Someone who commented above said that the city administration had strangled the JPS school district and they are absolutely on point! They can't run the City of Jackson so how in the hell do they believe they can run the school system?

They need quality administrators (not administrators who are only interested in money) and quality teachers. The administrators' and teachers' main interest should be the students. Problems with students should be addressed immediately and parents should be brought in as soon as problem students are identified. At no time, should these problems be swept under the rug!

None of these students should be left to their own devices; that the main reason you have so many problems with teenagers in the City of Jackson. Education is the key; without quality education, the problems in Jackson will never improve.

Anonymous said...

To seriously fix JPS, the only question that is pertinent is "What is in the best interest of the kids?"

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." Does this sound familiar?

Anonymous said...

4:52 - I have not left Jackson. I live here, work here, and pay taxes here. Is it ok with you if I express my opinion? Or are there other requirements you would like to instill? (race, education level, gender, partisan tilt?)

BTW, before you do impose more disqualifiers and since I meet your current requirements - I think the idea of leaving JPS in its current state is an abomination. And the Mayor's idea that "he" can take over JPS is about as stupid as his Kush plan for the economic takeover of the city.

As much as I hate to see the state takeover the system (and I think they hate to have the burden as well), it is the only option left if we are going to pretend to have a public school system in the Bold New City.

Anonymous said...

8:44, you live in Jackson, so you were clearly not the target of 4:52's question. Chill.

Anonymous said...

Property taxes are the backbone of school districts. Most are paid in NE Jackson where if you want your child to (1) read, and (2) live through the school day as a white kid, you send them to a private school. So .......double duty (money) is being paid by NE Jackson and we have no say in how our tax dollars are being spent in the COJ.

Might be time to split from the city --- the idea of merging with Ridgeland might be difficult because of the county lines, however, we could become our own city and this needs to be investigated. NOW is the time to point out to state leaders, that secession (OUCH) is necessary for NE Jackson because we are spending LOTS of tax dollars and have NO influence. In addition, we cannot use basic services (schools, water, etc. that we're paying for, for our families) -- this is a good argument and basis for why we should split from Jackson.

I really wish someone would take this on......I'd be the first to join and support. New Orleans East is using this argument now with the City of New Orleans I believe. I think the first step is a petition and then a vote. Not sure but maybe someone with more knowledge than me might weigh in.

Anonymous said...

4:52 is a total race baiter that assumes before all else. I also am a resident of NE Jackson I own a business in flowood as well as Jackson and madison. I will express myself freely on this site. Now 4:52 if you will just get back to your handing out of the flyers with Kenny stokes we can get on with our lives as well. Try to engage in a conversation next time rather than making assumptions.

Get wit it said...

"As much as I hate to see the state takeover the system (and I think they hate to have the burden as well), it is the only option left if we are going to pretend to have a public school system in the Bold New City."

Hello...Jackson hasn't been "The Bold New City" for several years now, but rather "The City With Soul". Doncha remember former Mayor Tony Yarber celebrating "National Fried Chicken Day" in front of a Church's Chicken joint with the Media?

Anonymous said...

Of course the mayor and the elected city officials do not want the state to take over JPS. If the children get an education the mayor and elected city officials will soon be out of office. Educated citizens will not accept the piss poor running of their city. Look at the shape of the streets, water and sewer departments. If the citizens of Jackson get an education they will not stand for more of the same. It is in the best interest of the mayor and city officials to keep the schools like they have kept the streets.

Anonymous said...

Wait, wait, wait... "Take the city of Jackson and disburse it among the functional surrounding counties"?!?! The reason Jackson is so "poor" is that all of the functional surrounding counties drive into Jackson make a great salary (that is not available in the surrounding "functional" counties) and drive back out! Proceed to buy property and pay taxes in those functional cities. Meanwhile... the "dump" that is known as Jackson has to support all the Federal buildings, universities, and other non-tax generating facilities. And Jackson, MS has 169K citizens and 60 schools... to support on a dwindling tax base. If anything the smaller cities should be annexed into Jackson, the Capital of MS.

Anonymous said...

11:10, are you blaming the people who want a better life for themselves and their families? Who wants to live in the "dump"? Maybe if all of the people left in Jackson got an education they could get those Jackson jobs with a great salary. But remember, those people with the great jobs who left Jackson did the work to get an education.

Anonymous said...

12:31
I believe the person is referring to the people in NE Jackson in areas such as eastover Jackson County club Meadowbrook highlands eastparke meadowbrook lake... these are the physicians and biz owners in the metro Jackson area. They send kids to private schools and are generally wealthy well to do families. I live in Madison and my boss lives in Jackson country club and is widely successful and has an office in Jackson as well as one on Jackson street in ridgeland. I would think you may want to be more insightful before using your broad brush.

Anonymous said...

909, I can read; you should try it as well. 452 asked q question as to which commentators were from Jackson. As,a,previews commentator, I answered. My point, evidently going over your head, was that I don't think that only residents of Jackson have an interest in this mess. The State spends millions of dollars on supporting the mess known as JPS, and the state has to support all those that survive JPS but are unemployable because the did not receive the benefit of an education.

Chill.



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

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.


Note: Security provided by INS.

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.

Note: Security provided by INS
.