Undoubtedly, this political season will go down in Greenwood and Leflore County history as one of the most monumental ones since integration. As usual, there were personal attacks, lawsuits, name-calling and propaganda at its worse.
There were also positive, notable outcomes on the county’s Board of Supervisors and in the results of the superintendent of education’s race. Those results sent a resounding message to the school district’s leadership and the Mississippi State Department of Education. That message? “Success” should not be measured in how many signs you put in the ground or how many placards you place on the walls. Mississippi’s definition of “success” must include every school and every student.
As I have expressed in the past, Jean Hall is a remarkable individual, part of a legacy of proud educators who have positively impacted thousands of children in this community. Her efforts as superintendent of education and those of her predecessors brought us this far, and she should be recognized and honored. Yet, this does not erase the fact that you must either “change with change or be consumed by change.” Our schools have reached the point of being “consumed by change.”
The challenge before Dr. Viola Williams, superintendent-elect, is to drive the change that is upon us. She is more than capable of doing just that. She stands at the threshold of a tremendous opportunity to create a world-class school district, the type of district our children deserve. She has, at her disposal, three essential ingredients: the examples of what works and what does not work in leadership provided by three of the most powerful female executives in this county (Jean Hall, Greenwood School Superintendent Margie Pulley, and Mississippi Valley State University President Donna Oliver); a faculty and staff with the expertise, creativity and commitment to educate our community’s children; and parents who have proclaimed with their votes, “We will put our children first.”
I am certain that Dr. Williams has received her fair share of advice — invited and uninvited — as she prepares to assume office in January. I would like to add to the proverbial “pot” three recommendations that would lay a firm foundation for success.
First, value the assets of the district. Before “cleaning house,” “search the house” — search it for individuals who share your vision, your passion and your commitment to young people. Then afford those individuals the opportunity to embrace the vision and share in its implementation. The district is full of teachers who can deliver a world-class education to the students in our schools. The proof is as close as St. Francis of Assisi School, an institution providing a world-class education that exceeds the state’s standards. How do they do it? With administrators devoted to education and teachers who share their devotion (approximately 70 percent of whom are retirees or former employees of the public school system).
Secondly, surround yourself with competent and capable people and provide them with the administrative support to do their jobs. While your family and circle of friends may include many persons with these attributes, resist the temptation of nepotism. Not only could it isolate you from the real issues that exist and require your attention, it could cost you the confidence and loyalty of those relying on you for leadership. More critically, it will almost ensure that you are a one-term superintendent.
Finally, capitalize on the excitement and great expectation that your campaign and election generated. Now is the time to conduct focus meetings and develop a plan for your first 100 days in office. Now is the time to work with all of the stakeholders — from business leaders to parents — to set strategic goals for the district and to cultivate buy-in from those stakeholders. Lead by consensus rather than fear and intimidation.
Many say that “the children are our future.” I beg to differ (as I have always done). We are our children’s future. What we do today is what determines the lives they will lead tomorrow. Your failure is not an option because the failure of our children is not an option.
• Troy D. Brown Sr. is a contractor with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He was an unsuccessful legislative candidate in the Nov. 8 election.
