Dear Editor,

This letter is addressed to the Vicksburg Warren School District Superintendent Dr. Tori Holloway.

Thank you for finally acknowledging the serious concerns being voiced by parents and citizens of Vicksburg. However, I must express that your recent response came across as dismissive and self-serving.

Let me be clear: the Vicksburg Warren School District does not belong to any one individual. It belongs to the people of Vicksburg. Your role is not to pursue a personal agenda, but to serve the best interests of the students, families, and educators of this community.

Lack of Community Investment

It is difficult to trust that your vision aligns with ours when you hold no personal, long-term stake in this city. You do not reside in a permanent residence here, have no children in the district, and no established ties to the community. The decisions you make may not affect your life in the future—but they will have lasting impacts on our children and our schools.

Recently, your focus seems increasingly centered on cost-cutting measures designed for optics rather than real educational outcomes—often at the expense of students and staff.

Teacher Shortages and Morale

While we recognize that teacher shortages are a national issue, the rapid increase in vacancies within our district—from 12 to 47—cannot be dismissed as part of a broader trend. Teachers are not leaving education entirely; they are leaving this district in search of workplaces where they feel respected and supported. Many have cited decisions made under your leadership as the direct reason for their departure.

We should be asking why certain schools struggle more than others to retain staff. Instead of applying temporary fixes, we must address the root causes—one being a pervasive lack of respect and transparency.

A clear example: third-grade teachers at Vicksburg Intermediate School were told they would be allowed to remain at VIS to teach fourth grade. After signing contracts, they were instead reassigned to Dana Road. When questioned, they were told, by you, that you make the money, and they must do what you say. That attitude is not how we retain quality educators.

Communication and Transparency

Over the past month, I reached out to your office multiple times and received no response. I also formally requested to speak at the June 26 board meeting, yet no acknowledgment was given. While I appreciate that some district staff eventually responded and agreed to meet, many of the concerns I raise require answers that only you, as superintendent, can provide.

Since I was denied a public platform, I will now share the concerns I intended to raise:

Concern 1: Leadership Changes Without Explanation

The sudden removal of Mrs. Richardson from River City Early College (RCEC) was deeply troubling. She was a respected leader who supported students and staff with consistent dedication. Her removal by a newly appointed principal—with no explanation to families or staff—damages not only the culture at RCEC, but district-wide trust in leadership.

If such a decision can be made without transparency at one of our highest-performing schools, what does that say about the rest?

Concern 2: Elimination of Critical Student Support Roles

Equally concerning is the removal of the Junior and Senior Advisor positions at RCEC, held by Mrs. Amber Davis and Mrs. Camille Buxton. These roles were essential to student success—helping with ACT prep, scholarships, college visits, and more.

Now, juniors and seniors have no RCEC/VWSD staff to guide them. These educators even offered to remain in vacant teaching positions—such as in math and science, which are critical to student success—but were denied. Those roles remain unfilled on the VWSD website, while these teachers were forced to transfer elsewhere.

This isn’t just inefficient—it is a direct loss to the students of RCEC.

Concern 3: Misaligned Financial Priorities

District spending choices are also raising red flags. While professional development is important, extravagant trips to Hawaii, purchasing a new district truck and tires, and approving a raise for the superintendent—while cutting vital programs—create an image of misplaced priorities.

Meanwhile, coaches are now required to obtain CDL licenses and drive students to games, as administrative expenses continue to grow.

We removed vital teaching roles like Junior and Senior Seminar, yet we’ve created new “success coach” positions at Warren Central Junior High—positions not extended to schools like the Academy of Innovation. That’s not equity. That’s selective investment based on optics.

This Is Bigger Than One School

This is no longer just about RCEC. It is about how the district treats its educators, communicates with families, and allocates its resources. We cannot build a stronger district through secretive decision-making, removal of respected educators, or elimination of programs that support student success.

In Closing

I believe in the potential of the Vicksburg Warren School District. I’ve seen the power of great leadership, inspired teachers, and an engaged community. But belief must be accompanied by accountability, transparency, and integrity.

Our families, students, and teachers deserve leadership that listens, explains, and acts in their best interests—not one that governs in silence or based on self-interest.

Sincerely,

Christin Streif

Vicksburg, Miss.