Campaign for Meridian’s school bond issue in full swing

Published 12:06 am Saturday, March 3, 2007

The group working to pass a bond issue for the first major renovations and improvements to Meridian’s public schools in more than 20 years opened campaign headquarters at Union Station on Thursday.

Campaign co-chairs Dr. Brooks Gray, a local surgeon, and Percy Bland, insurance agent, welcomed members of the public and revealed those on the Committee for Education who will be working to pass the $19.5 million bond issue.

The vote is scheduled for March 27.

“Our schools are more than buildings,” Gray said. “They reflect what is best about our community and our hopes for the future. Everyone in Meridian and Lauderdale County will be affected by the recommendations of this bond issue; we are working hard to educate our community as to why everyone should vote yes on March 27.”

Gray is the Trauma Program Medical Director for Rush Foundation Hospital, and is a product of Meridian’s public schools. His co-chair, Percy Bland, is a second generation State Farm Insurance agent and is on the board of the Boys and Girls Club.

“When we create an excellent environment for learning, our children thrive. When we focus on Meridian’s business and community climate for what is needed on the job front, our town prospers,” Bland said. “When we help to keep every student in school until he or she graduates, we are exceptional. Each of these issues is addressed in this important bond issue.”

Staffing the Committee for Education campaign headquarters are co-chairs Brenda Hurt and Faye Evans. Other members of the Committee For Education who will be spearheading the campaign efforts are Mabel Oatis and Lanelle Glover, co-chairs of the phone bank; Angela Turner, Gloria Williams, Bet Deweese and Susan Ledbetter, in charge of door-to-door efforts; Bill McBride, yard signs; and Martha Lemmons, chair of the “Get Out the Vote” efforts.

The Meridian Public School District Board of Trustees is asking voters to approve issuing a bond that will raise $19.5 million, to be repaid over a 20-year period. If approved, the funding will be targeted to four major areas:

• Air conditioning all cafeterias in all schools;

• Renovating schools;

• Implementing small learning communities at Meridian High School; and

• A new, state-of-the-art facility for the ninth grade on the campus of Meridian High School

The bond request comes out of a year-long study of the district’s future needs by the “Framing the Future” taskforces composed of nearly 60 parents, teachers, principals and a cross-section of citizens.

For more information on the bond issue provided by the school district go to www.mpsd.k12.ms.us, or call (601) 693-1306.



The election will be held at the following polling places within the Meridian Public School District:



Precinct

Ward No. 1

Precinct 1A: Poplar Springs Elementary School

Precinct 1B: Northcrest Baptist Church



Ward No. 2

Precinct 2A: Jaycees Building

Precinct 2B: Velma Young Community Center



Ward No. 3

Precinct 3A: Frank Cochran Center

Precinct 3B: MSU-Meridian campus

Precinct 3C: Northwest Junior High



Ward No. 4

Precinct 4A: MCCSA (Mt. Barton School)

Precinct 4B: Mt. Olive Baptist Church

Precinct 4C: Council of Organizations



Ward No. 5

Precinct 5A: Central Fire Station

Precinct 5B: Tuxedo Community Center

Precinct 5C: Temple Theater Ball Room

Precinct 5D: Crestwood School

Precinct 5E: Meridian High School



Qualified electors residing within the District but outside of the City of Meridian will vote at the following county polling places:



Precinct

127 Bailey: Bailey Fire Station

544 Meehan: Meehan Fire Station

450 Pickard: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

455 Sageville: Sageville Community Center

550 South Nellieburg: Lost Gap Fire Station

361 Suqualena: Macedonia Baptist Church

563 Valley: South Lauderdale Fire Station

567 Zero: Long Creek Fire Station