Deltaplex News
Ray King
Dear Editor:
As an octogenarian and a positive communitarian, I take great pride in writing this letter to the Editor.
Paraphrasing a former school superintendent in the Pine Bluff School District, Dr. Frank Anthony, “I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in public schools”.
In my opinion, public schools have been the salvation of the masses in America. Public schools afford educational opportunities for the masses of people, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, or economic status.
On June 19, 2024, we witnessed an auspicious and momentous occasion at the groundbreaking for the new Pine Bluff High School.
Quoting the old cliché, “bricks and motor do not make schools”, I am prepared to say adequate, modern facilities perpetuate pride, which will ultimately translate into great academic achievement. This mega million-dollar facility will have the modern amenities needed for first class educational opportunities.
On that historical day, I sat there with a great deal of pride, watching my grandson, Landon A. Holcomb, co-emcee with the dynamic Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Barbaree. Dr. Barbaree is a class act. She is in the right place at the right time.
My husband and I have two sons, Lloyd A. Holcomb, Jr. and Rodney W. Holcomb, Sr. and four grandchildren, Rodney W. Holcomb, Jr., Alexis M. Holcomb, Lariss A. Holcomb, and Landon A. Holcomb, who all graduated from Pine Bluff High School. The Zebra pride runs deep in our family.
I continue to be excited about a mega million-dollar facility that will be constructed in close proximity to other sanctuaries of learning, namely, the main branch of the Jefferson County Library; the Arts & Science Center; ART WORKS on Main and ARTSpace on Main; the Generator, powered by Go Forward Pine Bluff; the Incubator powered by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Friendship Aspire Academy – Pine Bluff Downtown.
Like many of the critics’ and naysayers’ opinions about the good initiatives in Pine Bluff, I could put a negative spin on any of the programs that have come to fruition. I prefer touting our positives. Contrary to popular belief, there are some public officials and private citizens that work, think, and plan daily for the betterment of Pine Bluff! Some use their personal resources.
I am not ashamed that I supported three tax initiatives and was verbally attacked by some naysayers. To be more explicit, I will name the tax initiatives. The Jefferson County Public Library Initiative powered by the Campaign Committee and Patrons of Jefferson County. The 5/8 cent sales tax powered by Go Forward Pine Bluff and the positive citizens of Pine Bluff. The Pine Bluff School District Millage powered by the patrons, Superintendent Barbaree, the School Board Members, the PBSD Unified Stakeholders, and the Campaign Committee.
We have won some and lost some. However, Pine Bluff is on the rise in spite of the worts we have incurred. We are not perfect, and Rome was not built in a day. I continue to say Pine Bluff is pregnant with possibilities and opportunities. Let’s join forces and create a positive environment.
Special thanks for a positive impact on the Pine Bluff School District go to Superintendent Barbaree, School Board Members, administration, principals, teachers, students, the Campaign Committee, the PBSD Unified Stakeholders, and patrons of the District.
Best Regards,
Council Member Emerita,
Irene Holcomb
