NAACP voices concerns with JMCSS progress

JACKSON, Tenn. –“The NAACP is calling for a world class education system right here in Jackson-Madison County, Tennessee,” said Jackson-Madison County Branch NAACP President Harrell Carter.

Wednesday, Carter said he wants to set the record straight about improvements the school system has made.

“The school board members, regardless of what side you’re on, does the best that they can, but I’m simply saying it’s not good enough for our students,” Carter said.

Jackson-Madison County Schools Interim Superintendent Ray Washington said Carter’s concerns are familiar to the school system.

“I absolutely agree with Harrell Carter on that, and we’ve said that all along, that there’s a lot of work to do. We’ve seen progress, but were in chapter 1 of a 10 chapter book,” Washington said.

Carter said he received calls from the community about the school system and feels the school board isn’t being transparent with the reality of Madison County’s performance.

“(You) see, nobody ask that question. An 8, 10, 12 percent increase says a lot, but it depends on where you are. Are you closer to the bottom?” Carter said.

“Any progress is good, whether you know if you’re getting better, you’re getting better, now you know you want to get to a higher level. You want to be the best, of course, but all we can ask for is continuous improvement,” Washington said.

Cater was asked for suggestions in taking steps to do better.

“We have some serious deficiencies in our reading capabilities, particularly when it comes to our subgroups, like African-American students,” Carter said.

“In those schools that have a high concentration of low poverty, things of that nature, we do provide extra help. Everybody in our system recognizes that and tries to do all that we can,” said Washington.

Washington said his door is open for Carter to have a one-on-one to address his concerns. Carter said he is in the process of making that happen.