Speaking at Coahoma Early College High School’s graduation Saturday morning Superintendent Dr. Valmadge Towner announced he would do everything in his power to keep the school open.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) in an April 15 letter to Towner said funding will now move from the state through local school district and CECHS must obtain a Memorandum of Understanding from those districts, specifically Clarksdale Municipal School District and Coahoma County School District, both releasing students to CECHS and then sending the dollars from the state to CECHS.
The school also draws students and dollars from Quitman and Tunica County.
CECHS is part of Coahoma Community College and on the same campus. Towner serves as both high school superintendent and college president.
CMSD superintendent Dr. Earl Joe Nelson has gone on record saying he did not plan to release students to CECHS because of the funds and scholars it takes away from Clarksdale High School. CCSD superintendent Dr. Ilean Richards has gone on record saying she would like to try working with CECHS’s program.
The CECHS board hired attorney Dennis Horn at the May meeting to handle legal issues.
Towner spoke directly to the graduates about his intention for the school to remain open.
“Listen, this is the 97th class,” Towner said. “You have come from four different school districts whether you’re a Lion, a Wildcat or a Red Panther or a Dragon or, yes, a Tiger. Most importantly, you are a Coahoma Early College High School graduate that emanates from Coahoma Agricultural High School. I want you to know that, without a doubt, we want to make certain that we get to 98, 99, 100 and beyond.
“We have tried diplomacy. Now we’re going to get a little tougher.”
Towner was only beginning with his remarks.
“I want you to stand with me parents and students and teachers,” Towner said. “We vow to do all that we can to make certain that we’re here again next year because the students of this community deserve to have an Early College High School experience.”
Towner statements were met with a standing ovation.
“Let me say that again,” Towner said. “You all don’t feel me. The students of this community, of all these communities, deserve to have an Early College High School experience. And if I’m alive and if I’m serving as President, we’re going to do all that we can to make certain that we’re here next year. Can I get an Amen?”
The crowd followed by saying “Amen.”
Towner acknowledged board members present who were chair the Rev. Dennis Hawkins, the Rev. Alvis Pryor, attorney Cindy Mitchell, Dr. Mary Frances Dear-Moton, David Williams and the Rev. Bennie Brown. Brown was part of the CECHS class of 1971 that received diplomas Saturday for its golden anniversary.
“Let’s give our board of trustees a hand because they’re going to help me do all that we can,” Towner said.
Towner then acknowledged state Rep. Orlando Paden.
“We have another graduate here Orlando Paden who’s going to do all he can to help us remain open,” Towner said.
Paden confirmed after the ceremony that he would do everything in his power to keep CECHS open.
“First of all, we will do all the necessary things that we need to do,” Paden said. “Right now, I will be meeting with Dr. Towner to insure things we need to do at this time right now.”
Paden said he would have a better idea of what steps he would take after meeting with Towner.
Students in Tunica, Quitman and Coahoma counties live within CECHS’s area.
“Make no mistake about it,” said Towner to the crowd. “You go tell Tunica, Quitman County, Clarksdale and Coahoma County we’re going to do all that we can to keep this school open many, many more years.”
Towner asked all graduates to take mental note of the people to their right and left.
“You’re now going down a road where there will be no one to the left or no one to the right, but I can assure you there is always someone who will stand by you,” Towner said. “It is the one that made you, the one that has sustained you, the one that allowed you to get through this terrible day of a pandemic and He is able to keep you from falling when there is no one to the left or no one to the right. He will keep you standing. Long live the Class of 2021. I charge you to remember Him who stands by you and do not forget Coahoma Early College High School whether you’re from Tunica, Quitman County, Clarksdale or Coahoma County or right here at Coahoma Early College High School. Long live this class. Long live Coahoma Early College High School. Let me say it again. I said long live Coahoma Early College High School.”
Towner had everyone stand and say, “Long live Coahoma Early College High School.”
CECHS principal Cloretha Jamison also gave remarks at the ceremony indicating her intention to move forward with the 2021-22 school year.
“We are still taking Early College applications and conducting interviews for the incoming ninth grade class only,” Jamison said. “You may pick up an application from the main office.”
