The Community Reacts to the Superintendent Decision

Dana Jefferson was one of nineteen search committee volunteers on a mission to find a new Monroe city superintendent. That mission: cancelled-now that James Dupree has been voted back in office. She said, It has brought to light to the citizens and taxpayers of Monroe, Louisiana what their school board does with their money-how they carelessly use it and spend it and dont have any regard for the citizens or taxpayers." She says the decision to hire an employee who was voted out, twice is appalling. "We are the laughing stock of the state-probably the nation," Jefferson said. Because, she says, the board cant get along putting the children in jeopardy. Jefferson said, If our school system is not viable and not good-nobodys going to want to live here, theyre not going to bring business here and were going to die on the vine." One Monroe resident says shes glad they gave Dupree a second chance because she wants a superintendent who will do the best job for the children. Linda McClinton said, Im glad they gave him another chance to prove himself." She continued, The kids really, really need help with the tests they have- a lot of the kids cannot pass those tests." McClinton says Dupree is the man to improve the school system. Jefferson disagrees. Not only is Dupree not doing the job, she says, but says the boards vote to bring him back was shameful and childish.