A vote FOR the school bond is a vote FOR the community. Many have said that the community is a reflection of our schools — not so. Rather, our schools are a reflection of our community. How we invest in our students is exactly how we invest in our future.
Better schools means a stronger workforce, and a stronger workforce leads to opportunities for all of our citizens. Vicksburg will attract new businesses and our existing businesses will have the ability to expand. This will create more jobs for our citizens and our children will also be able to pursue good paying careers right here in their hometown.
Stronger schools also means that more people will choose to make Vicksburg their home. Plenty of people who work in Warren County have chosen to live elsewhere, but with an investment in our schools, the demand for homes will increase and property values will rise. We must grow our community to prosper and to increase the quality of life for all of our residents.
On Tuesday, March 27, we will vote for a school bond issue that will provide safer and improved schools. The bond will provide major renovation to our high schools, a new Academy of Innovation building and much-needed updates to every middle and elementary school in the district. It will also allow for updated athletic facilities at both of our high schools. We will again have facilities that we can be proud of — not only because of the good work that goes on inside in the building, but because they are examples of our commitment to our future.
I have never been more encouraged than I am today about the direction and the accomplishments in our schools. The Leader in Me Initiative is empowering our children in their learning and in their interactions. Vicksburg College and Career Academies are transforming our high schools and better preparing our students by giving them relevant experience in the areas that interest them — before they graduate and move on to college, career and life. High school students are earning more college credits than ever and getting a head start on their careers. The community is seeing this and they are excited about what lies ahead.
Now is the time to invest in our community. Strong public schools are our foundation, and we must support this bond issue to remain competitive and to provide the safe and updated facilities that they deserve to learn in every day. Please vote FOR the bond issue on Tuesday. Please vote FOR a brighter future for Vicksburg. We are worth it!

George Flaggs Jr., Mayor, City of Vicksburg