Letter to the editor

I’m writing in response to the articles and talk about my principal, Mr. Darrell Tucker.  I know teachers or administrators have experienced positive and negative comments said about them; however, the focus on Mr. Tucker lately seems to be only negative.

I want the community to know that Mr. Tucker had many positive accomplishments while at Batesville Junior High. This is my 36th year in education with the last 20 in Batesville.  I’ve had many principals during that time and would rank Mr. Tucker among the top five.

He’s without a doubt the most professionally-minded administrator I’ve had since returning to Mississippi.  He’s a no-nonsense principal who held everyone accountable for their job including students, parents, and teachers.

He’s worked hard to improve the image of BJH in the community and successfully encouraged our young men and women to take pride in their appearance.  He was passionate about education and held students to a higher standard than was ever required of them before.

He was a strong disciplinarian and our school is better for it.  As long as teachers were doing their job, Mr. Tucker would back them in any situation and often took the heat for us without our knowledge at the time. We may not have always agreed, but I respected his authority.

I want parents to know that their child was cared for by a principal who went above the expected administrative duties to make sure all students had opportunities to succeed. He gave his best and expected the same from everyone in our building.  

My purpose in writing this letter is to let you know that Batesville Junior High was in good care under his leadership.  We will continue to excel with the excellent staff he hired, the confidence he gave us, and the dedication he instilled in us each day.

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Lundgren