Scotty Collins makes the following statement to the voters of Calhoun County:
“I am running for Superintendent of Education in Calhoun County. This is a position I have prepared for since I took my first job as an assistant principal in 1999. Starting in February I have worked hard to meet as many voters as possible. I listened to their concerns about our schools and they have shared with me their hopes and dreams for their children. I respectfully ask for your consideration and vote.
“My two children, Logan and Will Collins, attend Bruce High School. Logan is a busy 11th grader, and her days are full with cheerleading, softball, Juniorettes, and a part time job with Jim Aron’s Used Cars. She is also active in the youth group at Bruce First Baptist Church and was a youth leader in the recent county-wide DNOW activities. I am very proud of her.
“Will Collins is a 7th grader and is excited to finally play junior high football. The night he scored his first touchdown was a big moment for the both of us. He also participates in the youth group at First Baptist. I am just as proud of him. My children are my greatest joy. The education and future of all our children are my primary concern.
“Scott and Reeda Collins are my parents. My grandparents were Elmer and Nannie Collins and Winfred and Moss Green, all of Calhoun County. Mammaw Green is still with us. My family has a long history in Calhoun County and in education. Elmer Collins served on the Calhoun County School Board. My father was on the Bruce High School Board of Trustees and he also serves as a deacon at our church, Ellard Baptist. My sister, Sandy Aron, was a teacher and principal at Bruce Schools. She now teaches at East Webster High School. My brother-in-law, Phil Ferguson, is assistant superintendent of Webster County Schools. My mother, Reeda Collins, was the secretary at Bruce High School for 20 years.
“After graduating from Bruce High School in 1983, I spent six years in the United States Air Force. Upon returning to Calhoun County, I finished my bachelor’s at Ole Miss and started teaching at Houston Jr. High School. I immediately started working on my Master’s in Educational Leadership. My first job as an assistant principal was at J.Z. George High School in Carroll County. I also worked in Union County as an assistant principal and for 11 years as the principal at South Pontotoc Middle School. Currently, I am the principal at Charleston High School.
“There is a dangerous trend in education. People are hired directly into county offices with little or no experience in the principal’s chair. They don’t know the impact their decisions have on schools. They never face the tough decisions a principal must make. They have never taken the heat that sometimes comes with doing the right thing. We face that situation here today. I have 16 years’ experience as a school principal. I know how to find the personnel and resources to make our schools work at a high level for the benefit of our children.
“I am on the frontlines in the battle to educate children. I make tough decisions in discipline and in personnel. I will bring in the best principals to our schools. The best coaches on our fields of athletics. And the best teachers into our classrooms.
“There is more to running a school district than just hiring good people and forgetting about them. We have good teachers now. I have spent years acting as a servant leader to teachers. Providing them the resources they need for success. Supporting them in the classroom. And encouraging a family atmosphere in the schools so they feel safe to reach out and try new things to help children learn. I want to bring all this to the children and schools of Calhoun County.
“There is so much more I would like to discuss with you about children, education and our schools. Please feel free to call me on my cell phone at 662-419-5497. Thank you.”
–Paid Political Statement