Editor, Sun-Sentinel:
After reading the Feb. 20 edition of The Sun-Sentinel, tears began to form in my eyes. However, I had to keep my composure due to the fact that I was at work!
It breaks my heart to see the very place where I was born, raised and educated in such shambles! I was afforded a great education by individuals who had our best interest at heart! My classmate, Dr. Crystal Bland-Robinson, oftentimes asks me how I remember such intricate details about our education. I remember and recall those intricate details because those were some of the best years of my life. I can recall every teacher I had from kindergarten through 12th grade. I can also recall every administrator that ushered us along the way for those 12 years.
I would be remiss if I did not state that I have attempted to return to the place that made me the person that I am today. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and we have our purpose in life. I have served students across the great state of Mississippi and now have had the opportunity to serve students in the state of Georgia.
The very first position that I had upon relocating to Georgia had a student population of over 2,600. I have always been an individual who loved a challenge and to be working as an administrator in a school that had more students than the entire population of my hometown was a task. However, I rolled up my sleeves and strived to do my best and did great things during my tenure there. Along with my colleagues, we ran a mini-city inside of a brick and mortar building.
In my current position, I serve as executive director of School Improvement. I wear many hats in this position. Essentially, I am the assistant superintendent, for I am the second in command, which allows me to work directly with the board of education. Some days are hectic, especially board meeting days, but I endure to make sure that the district and the students get what they need. There are times when we agree to disagree, but we respect one another’s opinions in public and hash it out in private.
As a district leader, I have had individuals not agree with my decisions but I have always held my head up high and been the bigger individual for I am a professional and I lead by example. When we do things in public, we have eyes on us — as the lady mentioned [in the Feb. 20 story, “Passions run high at school board meeting”], this was her first board meeting and she was embarrassed. When we represent the public, we cannot allow our personal vendettas to take charge; we must do what’s best for children and move forward. It is apparent that everyone is not on the same page, which is fine, but keeping your eye on the prize is what matters most! We cannot continue to place children second and our personal agendas first.
During my time, I do not recall having a teacher that was not qualified.
I am from Charleston and always will be and nothing will change that! Maybe it is time for me to return home and make the [East Tallahatchie] district what it was during my time as a student there when we had the Jennings, Micou’s Young’s, Venables, Millers, Lakes and Taylor’s, who valued education in our area and worked tirelessly to ensure that we were prepared for the real world.
We must return to our prime so that our history and legacy isn’t doomed.
Dr. Johnathan E. Page Sr.
McDonough, Georgia
