Letter to the Editor: Addressing the teacher shortage in VWSD–a call for honest reflection and action

VICKSBURG, Miss. by Cristen Streif (VDN) — While the national teacher shortage is a well-documented issue affecting schools across the country, the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) is experiencing a significantly more severe crisis than neighboring districts in Mississippi. Despite Superintendent Dr. Tori Holloway’s assertions that VWSD’s staffing challenges are consistent with state and national trends, a closer look at the data tells a different story.

According to the VWSD website, there are currently 29 teacher vacancies in a district serving approximately 6,800 students. When compared to other Mississippi districts of similar size, the disparity becomes clear. For example:

Columbus Municipal School District (≈6,500 students): 14 vacancies

• Grenada School District: 4 vacancies
• Tupelo Public School District: 5 vacancies
• Laurel School District: 5 vacancies
• Brookhaven School District: 2 vacancies

Even districts in close proximity to Vicksburg show fewer vacancies:

• Claiborne County School District (≈4,100 students): 6 vacancies
• Yazoo County School District (≈1,300 students): 4 vacancies
• Clinton Public School District (≈5,100 students): 1 vacancy
• Rankin County School District (≈18,000 students): 3 vacancies

These comparisons highlight a troubling reality: VWSD is facing a teacher shortage that is disproportionately higher than other districts in the region and state. Yet, district leadership has not acknowledged the severity of the issue, making it difficult to address the root causes and implement effective solutions.

To move forward, VWSD must engage in honest self-reflection. Understanding why teachers are leaving—or choosing not to join—VWSD is essential. Exit surveys for departing or retiring teachers could provide valuable insights. Additionally, examining successful recruitment and retention strategies from other districts could offer practical solutions.

Teachers in VWSD have expressed concerns about a lack of respect and support from district leadership. Many feel undervalued and fear retaliation for speaking out. Reports of being reassigned without input and being told that meetings are “tellings” rather than collaborative discussions contribute to a culture of dissatisfaction. Respect is a cornerstone of retention. When educators feel heard and valued, they are more likely to stay.

Improving teacher retention in VWSD may require a change in leadership approach. Whether through a leadership transition or meaningful personal reflection by the current superintendent, it is imperative that respect and collaboration become central to the district’s culture. Disregarding community voices and failing to engage respectfully with educators only deepens the divide.

Other districts in Mississippi are implementing innovative strategies to address teacher shortages:
Harrison County and Greenwood-Leflore School Districts offer bimonthly pay, which has positively impacted retention.

Jackson Public Schools, Harrison County, Rankin County, Lowndes County, Desoto County, and Clinton Public Schools support alternate route licensure, expanding the pool of qualified candidates.
Rankin County’s R.I.S.E. Institute provides a 1–3 year mentorship, professional development, and leadership training for new teachers—an initiative that could be replicated in VWSD.

It’s time to stop ignoring the challenges within our district and start implementing solutions. By acknowledging the problem, respecting our educators, and learning from successful models across the state, VWSD can begin to reverse the trend and build a stronger, more stable teaching workforce.

The Vicksburg Daily News is committed to telling the whole story regardless of who is involved or who they know. Sometimes that makes people angry, especially those who feel they are above the news.

Send your point of view to info@vicksburgnews.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.