When voters head to the polls on Nov. 5, Vicksburg Warren School District Board of Trustees, District 4 will be the only contested local race on the ballot.

Incumbent Tawina Dotson and Linda Muirhead Patterson are both vying for the position. Both candidates sat down with The Vicksburg Post ahead of the election to answer questions about their platforms and why each feels she is the right choice for the seat.

Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the school district right now?

Dotson: Our biggest challenge is hiring and retaining certified teachers. We need our state legislature to continue to work diligently to increase teacher pay to a satisfactory level; however, as a school district, we can provide incentives for our employees if the budget allows it, and I am in complete support of that. Another challenge is hiring and retaining our bus drivers, and this issue stems mostly from student discipline.The discipline issues are a “our “problem. The bus drivers, teachers, and principals can’t resolve this issue alone. We need parent involvement to improve this issue. To combat our discipline issue, other issues, and improve our school district, VWSD has launched a Strategic Planning Coalition. This is a  collaborative effort to bring together community members, parents, educators, and local leaders to help shape the future of education in our district and I am proud to be a part of this committee.

Patterson: Many schools are struggling, especially since the pandemic. The VWSD is facing many of the same challenges. For example, even though the overall rating of the district is “B,” most of the schools in the district are rated “C” or below. The two junior high schools are rated “D,” along with two elementary schools. This is one of the biggest challenges facing the district.

Q: What other changes would you advocate for as a VWSD trustee?

Dotson: I will always advocate for quality education for all students and ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to learn and develop at their full potential. I will continue to work hard to always foster an environment for our exceptional education students that will promote their academic progress, social development, acceptance of diversity, and that will provide our  students with the same learning opportunities as their peers.I will continue to advocate for better pay for our teachers. Our teachers are the backbone of our educational system, and  they deserve adequate and more frequent pay. My goal is to have all VWSD employees on a bi-weekly pay scale. In my opinion, once a month isn’t sufficient. I will always advocate and be a voice for all students.  

Patterson: I would advocate publishing annual VWSD goals and objectives that clearly identify the areas that the district is focusing their leadership and resources to achieve excellence in the education of all children in the school system. These annual goals and objectives should go hand in hand with a published five-year strategic plan. I would advocate that we review the strategic plan, considering the goals and objectives and the actual school achievement data on an annual basis and adjust as necessary. That way our strategic plan would serve as a living, guiding document.

Q: What is your opinion of the state of the VWSD Board of Trustees?

Dotson: I have been a school board member since January 2024, and I have seen significant improvement. Vicksburg Warren School District is proudly a “B” rated school district, our student attendance rate has increased to 92%, and we are at a 91% graduation rate, so we are not in a bad state. We have some work to do, but we have made a lot of progress. We don’t always agree, but I believe that all the board trustees have the best interest of all students at heart. We will continue to work together on improving our school district for the benefit of all VWSD students.

Patterson: The current Board of Trustees is made up of committed individuals who are working closely with the Superintendent and are striving to move the district forward. The VWSD has made improvements over the last few years, but major challenges lie ahead. I believe that the skill set and experience that I bring to the table can help the board and the district continue their improvement. I am committed to helping the VWSD become an excellent school system and ensuring that every student can benefit from their time in school.

Q: What has been your and your family’s overall experience with the Vicksburg Warren School District?

Dotson: My family and I have had a great experience with VWSD. Our three oldest children graduated from VWSD. Janaiya and Darionce graduated from Warren Central High School and Shaniyya graduated from RCEC. They received a quality education right here in Vicksburg. They are now attending college and on a great path to success. Our two  youngest children, Deddrit and Madisyn, currently attend Warrenton Elementary School, where they are thriving and doing great academically. Janaiya is currently working as  a teacher assistant at VWSD and plans to become a certified teacher within the VWSD upon completion of graduation.