If you arrived at this blog because of a link I left somewhere else, I've decided to delete the previous posts. In my mind, providing ALL the information I could would give people the best means to decide for themselves. But I fear that with all the detail, it became more about me and that muddied the waters.
This was only about what's best for MSMS and its students. In two surveys, they overwhelmingly voted in favor of a move to MSU (76% in their survey and 67% in mine). Their resolution asked me to look into that possibility, and that's what I did.
I knew that there would be some controversy from people in Columbus, but MSMS is a statewide school. Is it worth weathering a little controversy to determine what's best for our students? I think so. The MS Department of Education did not.
I really thought that I was navigating that political situation in the best manner I could--only discussing it with internal stakeholders, yet trying to move us forward by giving them all the options. Obviously, I got that wrong.
I made the comment more than once that if I helped get MSMS to a place where it soared to new highs, then it would be worth losing my job if the controversy brought it to that. My point was that I care that deeply for the school--not that I did not care for my job. That job was my dream. Now I fear that both of those negatives will come true with no positives to show for it.
If the discussion remains silenced, who wins? MDE won, certainly. But at what cost? Do the MSMS students win if their wishes are ignored? Does the State of Mississippi win?
Finally, on a strictly personal note, a couple of verses that have served me well are forefront in my mind now:
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men... (Colossians 3:23)
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalms 25: 4-5)
I will always wish for the best for MSMS and its students.
Sincerely,
Donnie Cook
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