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Editor's Notes Part of the outcome of Monday's ACE committee meeting in Jackson indicated the need for one unified school, according to the long-term goals. For sometime now, there have been those in Jackson who would like to see a city school system, similar to what is in place in Thomasville. City school systems can still receive state funding just as county school systems do. The main difference is that the county board of education would no longer have jurisdiction over the schools here. There are many of costs involved in the city taking over the schools in Jackson; costs that I am not sure the city is prepared to take on. It could also mean additional taxes to those of us who live within the city limits. I wonder how many of us would be willing to pay more taxes, even if it would be to benefit our children. Another issue that puzzles me is whether or not the committee, when it called for one unified school, meant having Jackson Academy close its doors? Since that school is privately funded, I would think that would be up to its board and the parents who pay for their children to attend there. I believe it is good for people to have a choice between public and private schools, as long as the kids are getting a quality education. By all indications that is true for both the public and private school students in Jackson. Many graduates from both institutions go on to have very successful careers after doing well in college. **** Another issue that was mentioned as part of the long-term goals for Jackson included the development of the city's waterfront with the addition of a marina, restaurants, retail stores and other businesses. I have visited other cities with developed waterfronts and believe this would provide a fantastic boost for our local economy. Remember the guys from Tennessee who used to stop in Jackson with their riverboat the Chattanooga Star? I got to know those gentlemen pretty well and even back then, they were amazed that Jackson had not developed its waterfront. Of course, they did not know that the city had not annexed the waterfront property on this side of the Tombigbee at that time. But, they did realize that there was much potential there. If you've ever been to Chattanooga, you would know why they had that attitude. The waterfront there is beautifully developed and is always bustling with activity. Such a move ties in with another goal in the committee's report, to move away from relying so fully on the forestry industry toward other means of creating employment opportunities. The location of the German steel plant ThyussenKrupp just 30 miles down the road will help with this. This can be possible if Jackson can entice some of the plant's workers to shop and perhaps live here, as well as entice spin-off companies to locate to one of our two industrial parks. I believe all these things are real possibilities, but we all have to be willing to do our part. Those who are interested in seeing Jackson continue to progress in a positive manner and can lend their talents in helping with that progress, should step forward, whether through the offering of services or finances. Without a community-wide effort we will not succeed with helping address the many challenges set forth by the ACE committee. I commend all those who have served on the committee, attending long meetings and doing their homework to come up with real solutions to issues facing us at this important juncture in our city's history. They are truly dedicated folks. Without visionaries throughout our community, not just the city's elected officials, we can't accomplish what it will take to make Jackson an economically sound entity. We can't just stand around with our hands out and not expect to have to give back anything in return. Evidence that community involvement in Jackson needs a boost can be seen in the dwindling memberships of our civic clubs. Everyone seems to be too busy to take part in volunteering just a small portion of their time for worthy causes. All of our civic clubs provide great community services, but if memberships keep falling, they will not be allowed to keep their club certifications by national club standards. I would really hate to see that happen.
I encourage those not involved in a civic organization to consider joining one of the clubs in Jackson. I know for a fact you will be welcomed with open arms, as will your enthusiasm to help others within our community.
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