First, I will start this off in a positive light, congratulations to the new superintendent-elect, Dr. Vashti Washington, and good luck in this challenge that has been given to you.  However, to the school board, shame on you again.

We all know the so-called slogan of payday loan companies - if you need money until your next paycheck, we can help!  Or the infamous no credit, bad credit, we can help you lines; that are inviting to the down and out.  What goes on after a person steps through these doors are disheartening.  Before we experienced the worst recession since the Depression, people who needed short term loans looked to these companies as an easy fix.  The loan amounts start off small, at least $200.00 and you either pay it back in installments or your next paycheck.  In the beginning its easy enough, and

Some may accuse me of being biased when I chose to send my children to private school. I am a product of private school by way of New York City, but I remained objective in deciding what would be best for my children.  However, when I became a permanent resident of Jasper County, public school was definitely out of the question.  Don't get me wrong, I have relationships with people who went to Ridgeland Middle, Elementary, and subsequently High School, who have done well for themselves, but each remain agreeable on one fact, we learned, we passed, but it was difficult.