EDITORIAL/The school discussion

Our schools are one of our biggest and most important assets, so a robust discussion about the future is in order.

Support for public education in Philadelphia and Neshoba County for every child is important to future economic development and growth and the continued success of our community.

A thorough review of school performance with the highest standards of accountability going forward is essential for students, teachers, and administrators and should be the norm.

Every child should have the opportunity to succeed in a positive learning atmosphere that is disciplined.

Accountability is a key component, and that responsibility falls most directly to parents and then administrators and teachers, but they need our help and support.

Parents are the primary stakeholders and there are others like the business community who will need to employ graduates and our young people currently without children who want to stay here or come home to raise a family.

A good education is essential to high school graduates becoming part of a robust workforce that is necessary for better and higher-paying jobs so that our young people have a reason to live and work in Philadelphia and Neshoba County and raise their families.

A professional and objective review with recommendations is essential so that the schools don’t become a divisive and emotional issue.

A plan based on the facts and what is best for the children of our community is optimal.

The Legislature and the state Board of Education are not going to force any changes to combine resources unless the schools are failing so the discussion will have to be a local one.

Consolidation is understandably a nasty word so let’s be certain what we are talking about consolidating and that would mostly likley be administration and resources while preserving our school communities and mascots. 

Enhanced studies in math and science and the performing arts, where resources can potentially be combined, could be discussed.

Neshoba Central people do not want to mess up a more stable situation, and that is a legitimate concern. 

Philadelphia’s issue begins in the home and the government can’t fix that kind of dysfunction.

The federal government has unfortunately created a culture of dependency, a driving force that leads to fatherless homes, crime and all sorts of issue that have come to invade the classrooms of our city schools.

Forcing people to do right usually only works in prisons and many families have fled Philadelphia for the sake of their children, some legally and others getting away with mailboxes on the farm.

Admitting there is a problem is the first step, and hopefully, the discussion that began on March 25 can be a guide to productive solutions.

Philadelphia rotting away as families flee to the safety of the county is not a sustainable model. If families don’t want to buy homes in town, property values will plunge, and pretty soon, there will be a ghetto in the center of the county.

This task is going to require bold leaders with a fresh perspective capable of putting together a coalition of parents, educators, business leaders and elected officials to have a frank and open discussion about viable solutions.

The stakeholders must be free to speak without fear of being taken out of context in the media.

Threading the needle will require the utmost skill and patience but the benefits of putting education at the forefront as the top priority in Philadelphia and Neshoba County will benefit all.