Seeing the need for the community to have a dialogue with our school superintendent and the members of our board of directors in the Helena-West Helena School District, I have called a Town Hall Meeting for Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Malco Theatre. I have confirmed attendance by Mr. Willie Williams, School Superintendent and Mrs. Constance Jarrett, School Board President. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the district and the community with an opportunity to dialogue about where we are and how we intend to move forward. This meeting will feature the superintendent providing remarks to be followed by a question and answer session. This meeting will not extend beyond 7:00 p.m. We will move with dispatch to begin our conversation.
It is my hope that all board members will be in attendance as well as all school district personnel holding key administrative positions. This town hall meeting is, in my mind, the beginning of what will become a continuing conversation between our district leaders and our community. All of us want accountability in our district. We want good schools where students score well on standardized tests. We want our students to escape the remediation trap that so many students experience in college. We want results.
We are fully cognizant that we must be accountable as well and that we are not going to be saved by the calvary.
I am submitting this press release far and wide hoping to capture the attention of many critical players in our community. "We know too well that economic development goes hand in hand with education. We also know that communities are strongest when there is the presence of a well trainied and well educated workforce." Let us meet with our school officials and hear from them. Let us prod them with questions that further define the goals presented and, finally, let us work with them and hold them accountable to standards we deem most appropriate for our community.
See you there.
Stay informed:
http://www.valleyformayor.com Honorable James F. Valley
MAYOR - Helena West Helena
P O Box 248
226 Perry Street
Helena-West Helena, 72342
501-291-1735 Main Number
870-817-7400 Phone
870-817-4035 Cell
800-517-7240 Fax