As a teacher and administrator for the past 31 years, I feel it is absolutely imperative that we support our students when it comes to providing them with the best facilities that can be offered.  I have served on the Natchez Chamber Education Committee for the past 15 years.  This committee’s main function is to support all educational establishments in the Natchez area.  One of the most important projects, (Get On The Bus), undertaken approximately seven years ago, was the transportation of elected officials, Chamber Education members and other key individuals by school bus to each of the public school buildings.  It was truly an awakening for me.  I think I could speak for everyone on the bus and say it was definitely an eye-opener.  While driving around our city, I mentioned to the superintendent at the time, that no student should have to come to school in facilities that look like this.  The students and teachers deserve better.  I challenge anyone that questions the need for better facilities to go and take a tour of any one of the properties.  School buildings that are more than fifty years old in this condition are totally unacceptable.

Mission21 is necessary if we want to see Natchez move forward.  It is a necessity for all of us if this community wants to attract certified teachers and attract new industry.  The benefits of updated school facilities will bring this community forward for generations to come.  The school bond issue is going to allow for a brand new high school, renovation of the old high school into the new middle school and renovation of two schools to become elementary schools.

One main project for all communities is to continually upgrade facilities.  As I can give firsthand knowledge, it is time for our community to step forward.

We can bury our heads in the sand and hope the facilities get better without a bond issue, or we can step up and make our area a better place to live while we raise our families.  New and efficient schools are something that we all should be proud of, and our students should expect and receive nothing less.  Please join me in supporting Mission 21 for OUR Community, OUR Schools and OUR Future.
Pat Sanguinetti

Principal and teacher for 31 Years