LETTERS/Real questions to ask about schools

To the editor:

The real questions we should be asking about the Neshoba County Schools are how do several higher-rated school districts provide more services while spending less per student and why do we continue to overlook students attending Neshoba Central who do not reside in the county district?

I have been challenged on those assertions first made in a March 30 letter and told that “I don’t know what I am talking about.” 

Therefore, I am providing a specific example based on data from the Mississippi Department of Education from the website schooldigger.com.

Neshoba Central High School is ranked 84th in the state with a “B” grade and spends more per student than higher ranked schools with “A” grades that offer more activities such as quiz bowl, mock trial, science fairs, debate team, drama club with class plays, and diverse foreign languages other than Spanish. 

For example, Lewisburg High in DeSoto is ranked 3rd in the state with an “A” grade spends $461 less per student per year than Neshoba. Both schools are comparable in size. 

The state average for chronic absenteeism rate is 20.7% as compared to Neshoba’s rate of 20.8%. It would be fair to assume that their attendance policy is not only not working, but also questions the integrity of our local doctors who write excuses and the truthfulness of our students and parents.

We have been dazzled and distracted by new facilities such as the stadium, cafeteria, innovation room, and numerous sports championships. Academics have not fared as well – all sizzle and no steak!

David Carter