By Forest Persons

I realize that I don’t know everything about the educational process in Adams County school system, but I don’t believe that the superintendent is the reason for low test scores, graduation rates, etc.

He is no more responsible than the board members. He is criticized if he admonishes anyone for not doing their job, yet when the job goes undone, he is the scapegoat.

The teachers and principals can’t control the unruly students for fear of retaliations from the parents who go to the superintendant or board and complain.

Some students may be passed to the next grade when their grades do not support that promotion.

Subject matter and testing may be weakened to enable more students to pass these subjects.

This hurts the bright students, and there are many, by not challenging their ability to learn at the level they are capable of learning.

When standardized tests are given, both high and low achieving students are penalized and the overall scores go down as compared to other schools where the board supports the superintendent who supports the principals who support the teachers who can then challenge and control the students.

If I remember correctly, one of the board members, prior to being on the board, expressed his desire to replace Dr. Anthony Morris, yet he was placed on the board with this preconceived opinion.

Over the past 25 years or so, we have replaced many superintendents with no noticeable improvements. This makes one wonder — is the superintendent the problem or is the policy/procedure/parents/students the problem — the superintendent cannot make major changes without board approval.  Before long, we will have a hard time filling this position because it is such a short term scapegoat position.

Sounds like an ox goring to me!

Forest Persons

Natchez resident