I’m writing to express my support and appreciation for the excellent job Dr. Kerry Laster has done for our Concordia Parish School System.

She has brought a level of professionalism to the job of superintendent that is to be admired. Coming into her job from outside our parish has allowed her to fill positions with the best-qualified personnel without regard to any previous political agenda. I know many of our teachers personally, and they have expressed optimism and hope for the direction that Dr. Laster is leading our schools and children.

In my conversations with Dr. Laster I’ve always been impressed with her goals and true concern that our children are first and foremost. She has a vision for the future which is backed by definite plans to accomplish those goals. Improvements are not measured in days or months, but in years. I believe we are beginning to see the results of her leadership and that our schools are making positive improvements.

If you support Dr. Laster, please let her know, but more importantly let your school board member know. It is my understanding that there will be a school board meeting in Vidalia at 6 p.m. Thursday, in which her contract will be discussed. Attend this meeting if you can to let our board know that you support the work she is doing. If you cannot attend, call your board member.

We know that when industry looks at an area in considering location that it looks at the school system very quickly to see if an educated work force is in place. Also, it wants to know if its employees will feel good about the system to which it sends their children. This issue is too important, and we must support well-qualified leadership. I believe we have this in Dr. Laster.

Cheryl Colvin

Ferriday resident