Recent staffing changes at River City Early College have prompted questions about how personnel changes are handled within the Vicksburg Warren School District.

The recent departure of RCEC Counselor Marian Richardson, senior class advisor Amber Davis and junior class advisor Camille Buxton has led to tension and questions throughout the community. Although school officials could not confirm the status of the teachers’ employment, The Post has been told Richardson, Davis and Buxton have been placed in positions at other area schools, with those positions likely to be confirmed at Thursday’s upcoming VWSD Board of Trustees regular meeting. 

VWSD Superintendent Dr. Tori Holloway has said he is responsible for “reshuffling” employees throughout the district to meet needs.

“As a superintendent, I have a policy that’s aligned with state law that allows us to move our faculty members around as needed within the district,” he said. “Sometimes we have to make decisions about the district that affect individual schools that go above what the principal would like to do. Those are not always comfortable decisions, but my responsibility is the 7,000 students we have and the 16 school sites that we have.”

Holloway said that transferring and reassignments fall under his purview as superintendent. 

“As far as transferring and reassignments, the policy and the law says that is what the superintendent does,” he said. “There have been times when I’ve made decisions about reassigning people that go above what the principal agrees with. 

“Our principals are great. Their concern is to hold onto everything that they can for their school. But there are times, and I see the whole district and I may need to say ‘we need this person over here’ or ‘we need this person over there.’ Our principals fight for every resource they can get, but sometimes we have to say ‘no.’”

Holloway said if a teacher is asked to change schools and they are not happy about the request, the district tries to help them understand where they are needed.

Holloway also explained the district’s process for separating from staff. 

Once hired, teachers’ contracts can be non-renewed or they can be terminated based on a principal’s recommendation. If the superintendent agrees, the separation is approved.

If an employee wishes to contest the termination, he or she can appeal to the Board of Trustees, which considers and discusses all personnel matters in executive session. By law, discussions are not subject to open meeting laws.

If the school board does not rehire the staff member after an appeal, the employee’s next course of action is to pursue a lawsuit through the judicial system.

Holloway said parents and students who want to be heard can contact Holloway himself, Dr. Cedric Magee or Mr. Eric Green.

“We have a student advisory council that we meet with to address concerns and we have a faculty advisory council that we meet with monthly to address concerns,” he said. 

“I don’t take my responsibility to our kids lightly,” he continued. “Sometimes that involves making tough decisions that aren’t always popular. But, we’ve got do what’s best for all of the kids. Just because there are changes doesn’t mean we’re going to do away with the program or we’re trying to sabotage it. One of the reasons I wanted to come here was because of these great programs. So, for me coming in helping to support and sustain them, I want to make sure these things continue on.”

Editor’s Note: Read more about staffing changes at RCEC here. Read more about overall changes at RCEC here.