Mayor asks Vicksburg Warren School Board to delay school reopening

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Mayor George Flaggs Jr. asked the Vicksburg Warren School Board to delay reopening area schools in a letter to board President James Sturgis Jr.

“Noting that surrounding school districts are re-evaluating their return plans, I respectfully ask the Board and you, Mr. Stirgus, to consider delaying the return date and evaluate the possibility of initiating a virtual learning model,” Flaggs wrote in the July 29 letter. “The school districts in Claiborne, Clinton and Hinds County are delaying their in-person reopening until early fall and are taking advantage of virtual learning. With the very capable and competent staff of Vicksburg Warren School District, I know that we can find an innovative way to educate our most precious commodities, our children, and keep them safe in our school district, all while working together to save lives and mitigate the spread of this virus.”

Speaking with the Vicksburg Daily News Thursday, Flaggs indicated reopening schools would affect more than just students.

“Health care facilities are overwhelmed right now,” he said.

“As Mayor, I have to do what is in the best interest of the welfare of the city.”

Over the past week, the speculation has been that Gov. Tate Reeves will declare Warren County a hot spot, imposing more severe restrictions on residents and businesses. The county has reported 280 new COVID-19 cases in the past 14 days, more than enough to be on the governor’s list.

“The house is burning,” Flaggs said.

The school board meets today, Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Central Office Board Room,
1500 Mission 66.

A call to James Stirgus for comment has not been returned as we publish this story. Other board members have said they prefer not to comment.