I look at Initiative 42 from what I consider to be very informed eyes. Due to the nature of my business, I’ve personally visited over 25 of our public school districts from North Mississippi to the Coast and many places in between. What I’ve seen is shocking. What I can tell you is that they are all sorely in need of basic necessities to even be considered “adequate.”

If you really want to make an informed decision on Nov. 3, take a trip to the actual places that are responsible for forming the future citizens of this state. And then ask yourself if what we have been doing is really adequate or enough.

Even this wonderful school district, with a committed school board, PTO, and countless dedicated volunteers, suffers from crowded classrooms and a lack of basic necessities that we parents, along with the teachers, supply out of our pockets.

To date, the discretion of funding education has been left to the legislature. And as Jim Barksdale stated, “I don’t know how else we’re going to do it (adequately fund education) without passing this. I’ve pushed and cajoled. I’ve begged and cajoled. I’ve given money to them and begged and then begged some more.”

Lastly, remember who is most supportive of Initiative 42, the teachers, counselors, assistants and volunteers who live and breathe it every day. This is not a political issue, it is a responsibility that we have yet to live up to in this great state.

Vote first for approval of either initiative AND then for Initiative 42, not 42A.

Carter Myers

Oxford