I am writing about the disappointment with the Vicksburg Warren School District’s inability to take a leadership role in the form of character and setting a precedent when it comes to expectations of the student body and school district employees. I am saying this in reference to the football brawl on Oct. 19 and the no-show Vicksburg High Band for their homecoming parade. The two incidents occurred the same week, one behind another.

The VWSD took no disciplinary action in either incident. The Administration waited until Oct. 23 for the Mississippi High School Activities Associate to pass down its punishment, which rightfully cost VHS an end to their season.

The community is still waiting in disbelief that no one has been held accountable for the no-show band. The band director had the times wrong. The buses were at the VHS band hall. It has been said that the buses did not show up, but that was not true. The band no-show is not a minor incident and creates a huge cloud over the administration and the Board of Trustees.

The Board and administration is responsible because of their inaction and seemingly ignoring of a sabotage incident. For the first time both high schools’ homecoming parade were combined (requiring everyone to be aware and to take precautions and ensures). Any supervisor could have prevented the embarrassing and unexplainable incident of the band not showing up. An event, which we cannot do over, the community is looking and waiting to see the lesson learned and discipline taken before we move on.

These two incidents are perfect examples of what candidate Alonzo Stevens said in response to the question of consolidation at a candidate forum.

The faculty and administration is distracted with undeclared wants from the school board and superintendent and not focusing on the day-to-day operation. Public leaders should have opinions and ideas that are communicated to the public and adjusted to support science, facts and moral rights.

John Shorter

Vicksburg