Who likes early-August school days?
Did football move up the start of school? Or did school move up the start of football? Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at early-August school days in Mississippi and lists some of the factors in the earlier start to classes these days in reaction to a move by a group called “Save Mississippi Summers” to have classes start later in August or even in September. (August 11, 2010, Page 4)
‘New year, new challenges’
Oxford EAGLE columnist Angela Hensley interviews Mike Foster, an alumnus of Lafayette High School and now the district superintendent, is ready for yet another school year. (August 5, 2010, Page 3)
Area coaches fondly remember Wright
The mysterious disappearance of former Lafayette High School basketball standout Lorenzen Wright has unfortunately been solved by Memphis area police officers. Wright, who has been missing for over a week, was found dead Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area located in Southeast Memphis, according to information provided by Wright’s family to various media outlets.
Wright, 34, played his first three years of high school basketball at Lafayette under the direction of coach Mike Foster, Lafayette’s current school superintendent, before moving to play his senior season at Booker T. Washington in Memphis. (July 29, 2010, Page 6)
Former LHS Commodore, Wright, found dead
SPORTS EDITOR BLOG — The mysterious disappearance of former Lafayette High basketball standout Lorenzen Wright has unfortunately been solved by Memphis area police officers. (more…) (July 28, 2010)
Lafayette’s Foster hoping for Wright’s safe return
As the search goes on for Lorenzen Wright, who is missing in Memphis and around the South, his former coach at Lafayette High School is thinking about him and his safe return.
Lafayette Superintendent Mike Foster coached Wright for three seasons in the early 1990s before the 6-foot-11 standout eventually left to play his senior season in Memphis.
Wright, who gained notoriety playing for the Memphis Tigers and then in the NBA with teams such as the L.A. Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies, has not been seen or heard from in over a week. His mother had police issue a missing persons report this past Thursday, but despite the help of several police departments, there has been no sign of Wright or a clue as to where he disappeared to. (July 27, 2010, Page 6A)
County schools: No tax hike
Taxpayers will have a few more dollars in their pockets this year. During a public hearing on Thursday evening, the Lafayette County School District announced that they intend to hold the line on taxes and operate within available revenues. (July 23, 2010, Page 1A)
Local dropout, grad rates better than most
The Oxford and Lafayette County school district dropout rates are better than most in Mississippi. After a slight decline in the past few years both school districts want to see graduation rates improve. Keeping dropout numbers in mind, both districts are making plans to lower dropout rates among students by keeping them engaged in school studies and activites. (July 9, 2010, Page 1A)
County schools seek federal funds
With fewer federal funds available for schools this year, officials with the Lafayette County School District are searching for whatever is available. The school board approved a request from administration officials to apply for $321,831 in Title 1 funds and $118,568 in Title 2 funds. (June 8, 2010, Page 3)
Lafayette layoffs continue
The Lafayette County School District continued the process of letting employees go at the beginning of this week, citing a shrinking budget. This brings the total count to 23 employees who have lost their jobs since last Thursday. Seventeen others are retiring, and many will not be replaced. (May 14, 2010, Page 1A, 5A)
Layoffs at Lafayette
Several positions from each school in the Lafayette County School District are being cut due to ongoing funding shortfalls. While some school employees have already been informed their position was being cut, others were still being notified this week, Superintendent Mike Foster said. (May 7, 2010, Page 1A, 9A)
