Published: February 23, 2008 11:14 pm            

To Superintendent Autry and The Meridian Public School Board:

It would have been a privilege for me to come before you today personally, to give (on the behalf of the"Coalition For Change") our gratitude to this school board to approve two-thirds of the recommendation that was presented before this board several months ago.

But unfortunately, I had a setback in my health last night and early this morning before the day, and I am unable to attend tonight's (Feb. 18) meeting. Thus is the purpose of writing this letter to thank you for your diligent efforts.

I would think that it could be possible that this board might reconsider (in the admitting of Mr. R.D. Harris' name) to join the other two distinguished educators, (Billy Sykes and Dr. L.O. Todd) who have buildings and conference rooms named after them.

But as you know, sometimes when you're doing business such as with the state Legislature, you cannot always get your entire package thoroughly funded. And you have to take what you get and come back later in the future to obtain the remainder of the funding.

On this historic night, it is not the time for debate on the purpose why I am writing this letter to salute you five board members. As I once said, at a previous board meeting, that I personally thought that it was monumental how this board (professionally) performed in your getting the $60 million dollar school bond passed with the overwhelming vote of the people in this community.

Now there might be a small group of people here tonight (at Poplar Springs) who might say that the board president (Fred Wile) and vice-president (Ed Lynch) have been re-elected too many times.

But I think that this small group is misguided in their claims. Simply because C.E.O.'s, sports coaches, and consultants and the head of law firms (to give just a few examples) have been re-elected for some as many as 50 years in a row.

The only criteria that they are asked to meet is that they do a darn good job. And I think that this school board, in the last two years, has hit its stride and is performing on all cylinders. The proof is the passing of the school bond and the naming of the two buildings — here tonight. And let's not forget the approval to honor the "Meridian Five" who integrated Meridian High School in 1965.

Once again, I thank you and would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Autry and also attorney John Compton who were very instrumental in making this happen. Mrs. Autry's legacy will go down in history.



Harrison Lewis

Executive director

Coalition For Change

        

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