By John Howell Sr.

North Panola School District Conservator Bob Strebeck has scheduled a series of three community meetings starting Monday, July 14 in Crenshaw, newly appointed district spokesman Mack Dandridge announced.

All parents, students and concerned citizens are invited to attend the meetings: July 14 at the Crenshaw Elementary School Cafeteria; July 15 at Como Elementary/North Panola Junior High Cafeteria; July 16 at the North Panola High School Auditorium. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

Discussion will include the North Panola 2008-09 calendar, school policy, dress code and security at the schools, Dandridge said.

“The first day of school is going to set the standard; this year is going to set the standard,” Dandridge said. “We are asking for maximum participation and involvement for the upcoming school year.”

Dandridge, who  has been named by the district as public relations/information officer, added, “We’ll take the briefings to them”.

“We want to try to give parents and students more of a feeling of safety and security to learn,” Dandridge continued. “We want the teachers to feel safe and secure.” The district has contracted with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department to provide deputies as School Resource Officers, he said.

Dandridge worked last year as a volunteer in the North Panola School District. A Panola native, he returned to the county following an Army career that included a 13-year stint as White House telecommunications coordinator. He served under Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.