Letter to the editor: “It starts with listening” — Vicksburg mother challenges school board

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The following was presented by Christin Streif to the Vicksburg-Warren School District board in today’s special call meeting.

Good Afternoon Board Members and District Officials,



My name is Christin Streif. I’m a proud mother of five boys, each attending one of four different schools within the Vicksburg-Warren School District. I’m also a military wife and a former nurse at Warren Central High School. My family was stationed in Vicksburg in early 2022, and after much thought, we chose to make this city our permanent home. That decision came with a commitment to be active, engaged citizens who contribute to our community.



Part of that responsibility means speaking up when things aren’t right. It means holding leadership accountable—not out of criticism, but out of care. I’ve spent the last eight weeks trying to secure this opportunity to speak before you, and I do not take this moment for granted. I’m here today because my concerns with the district have grown steadily, and by the end of the 2025 school year, I could no longer stay silent.



As I began paying closer attention, more Vicksburg residents started sharing their concerns with me. I’ve reached out to board members and district officials, seeking answers. Aside from one meeting with Mr. Green and Dr. Magee, my outreach has gone largely unanswered. That silence is part of the problem.

Time is limited, so I’ll focus on four key areas that need urgent attention.



Teacher Shortage



In June, I learned that VWSD is facing a critical teacher shortage. This isn’t just a staffing issue—it’s a symptom of deeper problems. At the same time we’re struggling to fill classrooms, respected teachers and counselors are being transferred from roles where they’ve thrived. Elementary teachers are reassigned without input or choice. That sends a message: we don’t value our educators as professionals.



When teachers feel unheard and shuffled around like playing cards, they leave. They may fulfill current contracts, but they won’t stay. They’ll go where their skills are respected. I’ve also heard that certified SPED teachers weren’t renewed, despite the shortage. Pre-K teachers weren’t granted emergency certifications, leaving some schools unable to open Pre-K classes.



Instead of addressing root causes, we’re applying band-aids—bringing in foreign teachers without fixing the underlying issues. Why does VWSD have a larger shortage than surrounding communities? That’s the question we need to ask. And we need to start by listening to our educators.



Budget Deficit



When I met with Mr. Green and Dr. Magee, they explained the district didn’t receive the funding it had budgeted for. To me, that’s poor planning. You don’t budget based on hope—you budget based on history and communication. Spending money you haven’t received is risky and irresponsible.



I’ve heard from multiple sources that vendors won’t work with us because we don’t pay our bills. I’ve sat in board meetings discussing payment plans for debts from years ago. I’ve spoken with companies still waiting for payment. How many businesses have we lost because we failed to meet our financial obligations?



This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about trust. If we can’t manage our finances, how can we expect families, teachers, and partners to invest in our schools?

Raising taxes isn’t the answer. The real solution is having a capable finance department that knows how to balance the books and eliminate unnecessary spending—like trips to Hawaii or purchasing a new truck for the superintendent. If cuts need to be made, start at the district office. Don’t make decisions that negatively impact students and classrooms. Prioritize responsible budgeting and transparency, and protect the core of our schools: the children and the educators who serve them.



River City Early College (RCEC)



RCEC has been one of the most successful initiatives to come out of Vicksburg in recent years. It’s a unique program offering students a chance to earn college credits while still in high school. It was one of the main reasons my family chose to settle here.



But now, it feels like the district is trying to dismantle it. Staff has been cut in half. Key personnel who helped the school thrive have been removed. This year’s freshman class started school without schedules because the principal refused to let the counselor assign them, stating she would take care of it. That wasn’t done. Teachers had to step in and create schedules—something that wasn’t their responsibility—just to get students into classrooms. After all that effort, the principal announced she would redo them.


This isn’t just inefficient—it’s disruptive. It undermines staff and confuses students. RCEC is a special school, but it’s not for everyone. Some students realize after a semester or a year that it’s not the right fit. That’s okay. But now, students who might consider RCEC won’t even give it a chance—because if they transfer back to their home school, they lose eligibility for academic honors. Which brings me to my next concern.



Policy Changes – Valedictorian and Salutatorian Eligibility


Change is inevitable. I understand that. But change must be thoughtful and fair. Earlier this summer, the district changed the policy so that students transferring to Warren Central or Vicksburg High must have five semesters there to qualify for Valedictorian or Salutatorian. As a parent of military children who take academics seriously, this policy would have made me think twice about enrolling them here if they were high school aged upon reassignment.


Then the policy changed again. Now, any student transferring from RCEC is automatically ineligible for these honors—regardless of when they transfer. This is unfair and discouraging. My own son transferred to Warren Central due to personal needs and the instability at RCEC. He’s now ineligible for honors he’s worked toward for years.


I’m not asking you to reverse the policy entirely. I’m asking for fairness. I’m asking for a grandfather clause—so that students who transferred by Fall of 2025 can still be considered. These students made decisions in good faith, based on the rules at the time. To change the rules midstream is not just unfair—it’s harmful.



Closing Thoughts


I have more concerns. I’ve heard stories from parents, teachers, and students that deserve to be heard. But my time is limited, and I know your timer will be going off soon.


I’m asking you today to reflect on what I’ve shared—not just as board members, but as fellow citizens of Vicksburg. We all want what’s best for our children. We all want a school district we can be proud of. That starts with listening. It starts with transparency. And it starts with treating our educators, students, and families with the respect they deserve.


Thank you for your time, and I truly hope you will think and pray on the issues I’ve brought before you today.

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