As a lifelong friend of the Griffin family, I respectfully disagree with Johnny Griffin’s criticism of the Vicksburg Warren School District. He is a product of that system with a good basic education and a successful career.

There are several considerations the VWSD Board of Trustees looked at in employing public relations personnel:

1. Based on news articles the image of the VWS District needs to be improved.

2. We are in the informational process age with most communications being carried out by electronic equipment such as email, television, radio, etc., so we need to convert our schools over to an electronic delivery system.

3. Since public relations personnel are paid on a scale similar to teachers, we looked at night work and summer work as well as being on call for special events and athletic games; therefore, a longer workyear than teachers.

4. Most often public opinion is formed by how information is presented, so we hope PR personnel will write positive reports.

5. As a tax-supported operation, we must maintain a positive image, so we plan to promote positive reinforcement of the system.

6. Certification requirements, Mississippi guidelines and federal guidelines are to be projected to the public so that pay scales and technique are understood.

By comparison, Hinds Community College, with approximately 100 buildings at five locations, 17,000 students, 1,500 personnel and approximately $100,000 budget, has a PR staff and printing staff of about 20 people.

Test scores in the VWS system have gone up for the last two years, so some good teaching is taking place. Money for this coming school year was requested from the WC Board of Supervisors at $70,000 less than previous years.

The VWSD is competitive, and we have hundreds of good teachers and administrators. Our students get millions of dollars in scholarships to top-notch colleges and employment in above-average jobs. Our overall athletic programs are doing well, with football needing some attention. We have been state champions in 16 different sports.

The public needs to support the VWS system and maintain a positive image so that the reputation of Vicksburg and Warren County is good throughout the state.

Joseph L. Loviza

Secretary, VWSD Board of Trustees

Retired dean, Hinds C.C.