On Tuesday, a very important vote will determine the direction that the City of Natchez will take for the next several decades. On this date, citizens will cast votes to decide whether a new public high school will be built and others remodeled. It is the opinion of the members of the Natchez Business and Civic League Inc. that updating schools in this district is long overdue; therefore, we support the measure.

It has been more than 50 years since the last school, Frazier, was built in Natchez, and over the years, despite the district’s best efforts to keep schools updated, they have become outdated. We also support Mission 21 because we feel that a new high school and improved elementary and middle schools will instill school pride.

New industries and businesses will not locate here unless we improve our school buildings and improve our technical programs. Mission 21 will help Natchez attract and retain new industries and businesses because with this initiative not only will our school buildings be improved but much needed technological improvements will be made. We as concerned citizens should put all of our differences aside and do what is best for our children and our city. We applaud those residents who have written articles in support of this initiative.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday and vote for MISSION 21. Let us remember that better schools make better students and better students make better communities.

Some people are apprehensive about voting in favor of the measure because they do not want their taxes to increase, others cite failing test scores and still others feel that they should not support the measure because they do not have students in public schools. We respect those opinions, but feel that improved facilities will enhance students’ performance and teacher and student morale.
Jimmy Ware

President, Natchez Business and Civic League Inc.