Sumter students are our future but are being ignored because of 'big business'

First, I would like to commend the superintendent and board members for the positive shift in our district's culture. Although it appears that the current issues are offered resolutions with politics at the forefront, I am very pleased with the diversity that I view at the board level of the district. However, the internal issues at the school level seem to be ignored because of "big business." I understand the complexities of resolving issues to satisfy everyone and to maintain equality for all. However, there must be an interjection that requires focus on the main objective, which are the students, parents, citizens and economy of this county.

Ultimately, customer service and human resources should be a top priority. Think about what is required to maintain a positive school culture? It begins with the students and the parents that entrust the district to educate their children. Next, there should not be any sector that is exclusive or excluded when it comes to establishing a positive school culture. Therefore, there should be a standard of excellence in every school throughout the district. A school's surrounding subdivisions and socioeconomic demographics should not determine if the proper resources and required number of employees are supplied to effectively operate a school. The district needs a positive employee retention rate.

The district should consider the alternative school models that exist in neighboring school districts for Mayewood that extends to early education (elementary). The district can implement programming to include a soft approach for behavior modification and competitiveness among the students in the upper and lower schools. The return results are a model school, superior academic achievement and happy students and staff that would not have the desire to return to the traditional education sector. Also, the current K-8 model can remain in place at R.E. Davis, considering all ethics at the state and federal levels have been applied.

Please consider our replacements, which are the students we serve. We all would like to believe and hope for great ones. They are precious to God. They are our future.

LATRELLE S. GRANT

Executive director, School-In-The-Yard Project