A new grassroots engagement project will prioritize children’s education in Greenwood.
Opportunity Mississippi is a new development sponsored by the organization Empower Mississippi Ideas to Action, whose goal is to “ensure that every child in the Magnolia State has the opportunity to flourish through access to a high-quality education.”
Constance White presented the project during the Greenwood City Council meeting Thursday night and introduced herself as the new local representative for the organization.
White said the project will
“introduce parents to the concept of school choice, to teach and encourage parents to become more involved in their children’s education, and is to empower parents to advocate for quality education.”
“My goal is to develop partnerships with schools, mentoring organizations and other groups to support our outreach efforts,” White said.
The council approved the re-election of Ward 3’s Ronnie Stevenson as its president, Ward 1’s Johnny Jennings as vice president and Cinderella Morris as clerk.
The council also approved the following reappointments:
•Don Brock Jr. as city attorney and special prosecutor for code violations.
•Carlos Palmer as municipal judge.
•Elizabeth Davis as public defender.
•Charlie Swayze III as prosecuting attorney.
•Mike Sturdivant to the Greenwood-Leflore Airport Board.
•John Downs, Charles Powers and Willie Preastly to the Greenwood Election Commission.
•The Rev. Calvin Collins, Louise Delaney, Becky Palmer, Howard Smith and Lonnie Bailey to the Historic Preservation Commission.
•Sybil Jordan and Dale Riser to the Planning Commission.
•Claudia Henson to the Greenwood Housing Authority.
In other business:
•Betty Stigler, city code enforcement officer, presented the list for dilapidated housing. She advised four of the six houses be removed. The council approved.
•The council approved a sponsorship donation of $500 for the United Way of Leflore County’s second annual All-In Event.
•nThe council approved a donation of $250 for the Stop the Violence and Bullying Awareness Back to School Giveaway.
•The council approved allowing retired Police Lt. Dennis Mitchell to purchase his issued sidearm.
•The council approved authorizing the city to take over the operation and maintenance of the sewage lift station on Viking Road.
•Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
