School system holds first ‘Vision 2020’ public forum
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson-Madison County School System’s “Vision 2020” plan got a bit more focused Tuesday night as close to 100 community members got to voice what they think should be addressed in the school system. “One of the concerns I have is the transportation to these particular schools,” Jackson-Madison County parent Prentiss Ballard told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. “Just wanting to see the system support our teachers so that we can retain good teachers and so we can attract good teachers,” parent Sarah Chattin said. Parents said they are glad the school system is going to the customer for input before making decisions. “I feel like that’s a good place to start, and I appreciate that they are listening to us before they make the plan and hearing what we feel like will make the schools successful,” Chattin said. The school system said getting community input is essential to Vision 2020 being a success. “It’s important to just listen because only through listening can you really begin to capture the importance of this ‘Vision 2020’ and the input it will have on our community,” Jackson-Madison County School Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said Tuesday. Ruffin said after two more meetings with the community Wednesday and Thursday, the school district will bring back proposals in May. “That will be a very first draft of what the possibilities may look like,” Ruffin said. “It’s not engraved in stone.” Parents are glad they are getting a say. “Our children are the future of Jackson, and because of that we have to make sure that they become our top priority,” Ballard said. The schedule for the other two public forums are as follows: Wednesday, April 29 , 9 a.m. at The Star Center (1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson) Thursday, April 30, 10 a.m. at Meridian Baptist Church (61 Harts Bridge Road, Jackson)
