Interim SP Sup’t urges support, flexibility for new administration

W. Michael Foster
Guest Columnist

As I sit here and reflect on my tenure as South Panola School District’s Interim Superintendent, there is one thing that I have come to realize—the people of South Panola have a lot to be proud of.

There is a lot of support in the community for the South Panola Schools. The School Board wants and expects the school district to improve their accreditation standing.
It will take a team effort from teachers, students, principals, central office administration and the Superintendent to accomplish this.

It might mean changing the way things have been done in the past, but the most important goal for everyone involved is to always put students first.

You have so many things to be proud of, one of which is having a national merit finalist.
Another is there were over $975,000 presented in scholarships to our seniors this year as there have been in the past.

Also, I have looked at the overall appearance of your schools and most of the buildings are in good shape, including an excellent high school, new softball and baseball facilities.
I believe with new leadership, the school district has in place the opportunity to improve to an all time high. The new administration will need your support as they strive to move the district forward on the academic side.
The administration will need the support of the community, teachers and parents, mayor and aldermen and board of supervisors.
Ask yourself, “What will it take to move South Panola from a C district to an A district?”
If I may, I would like to help you answer that question by saying, “long hours, hard work and one step at a time.”

There is no reason South Panola cannot become one of the elite school districts in the state. You already have one of the best football programs in the U.S.

Let’s strive to make the academics just as good as the football.

I will close with just a few more thoughts. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Interim Superintendent these past six months. I have enjoyed working with your school board, and I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated they are to improving your school district. Your school board attorney has been a godsend with his leadership and foresight.

Thank you, teachers, staff, bus drivers, maintenance, directors, principals, assistant principals, and central staff for your hard work this past six months.

Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
s/W. Michael Foster
(Foster is a retired Lafayette County School Superintendent who has served as interim superintendent upon the retirement of Dr. Keith Shaffer during the 2012-13 school year.)