This petition is created for the Shaw School District to be reinstated as an independent district; yet keep their identities as primary and secondary schools. Additionally, the primary goal is to secede from the West Bolivar Consolidated School District for various reasons. In June of 2014, the Shaw School District was dissolved and merged into the West Bolivar Consolidated School District (Senate Bill 2760, 2012 Legislative Session = Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-104.1) along with the following schools: Ray Brooks School (Benoit), West Bolivar High School (Rosedale), West Bolivar Middle School (Rosedale), and West Bolivar Elementary School (Rosedale). We the citizens of Shaw, alumni of Shaw High School and McEvans High School (now know as as McEvans Elementary for K-8), and current students of both Shaw High School and McEvans Elementary are on board with dissolving the merger with West Bolivar Consolidated School District. There are various reasons we have an expressed and urgent desire to dissolve our ties with West Bolivar Consolidated School District (WBCSD).

There have been signs of misappropriation of school funding. For example, the Shaw High School building is now a historical landmark which received funding in December of 2016 from the the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). This funding was for interior restoration, structural stabilization, and a conducted facilities study, Additionally, WBCSD donated $30,000 to be split among the school itself and the gymnasium of Shaw High School. Then Superintendent; James Johnson-Waldington stated, “The building was maintained as well as local and state money would allow. With the influx of the grant proceeds, we will be able to speed up the timetable for the restoration.”  According to the current administration, they have no idea where the funds are regarding renovation and restoration. MDAH states, “Grant awards are paid on a reimbursable basis upon the successful completion of the entire project or at the time of the completion of pre-established phases of the project.” Currently, there have been no renovations to the school or the gymnasium.  Another example is in 2017, the state auditor accused Superintendent Culley of overpaying herself by $52,000 in 2014. Also the auditor wanted approximately $70,000, for interest and investigation costs.

• Shaw High School School's rating has significantly dropped since merging. It has went from a “B” status to an “F” stautus. This information can be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Education's website.
• McEvans Elementary hasn't experienced any growth in terms of the school's rating (Information can be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Education's website).
• Many qualified administrators and teachers are leaving WBCSD; due to their negligence and negative impact on our children's education.
  May students believe the merger is not beneficial and the administration has no regard for their thoughts and opinions.
  Citizens of the community have expressed concerns regarding the quality of education their children are receiving.
• Shaw School District is a pillar in our community. It has a long standing history dating back to the late 1800’s. Our predecessors have fought an endless battle to keep McEvans Elementary School and Shaw High School a functional environment conducive to learning.
• Many citizens are concerned with the blatant inconsistencies in school administrators. The superintendent of WBCSD has changed nearly every year since the merger. For example, in 2019 the district fired three superintendents within a six month time span. Another primary example encompasses the placement of Superintendent Culley on paid administrative leave; following the accusations of overpayment; which was prior to her termination.
• Shaw School District is more than capable of providing a great educational system and an environment conducive to learning for the students of Shaw, Mississippi.
• McEvans Elementary School and Shaw High School students can be temporarily be educated at McEvans Elementary School; until the renovations are completed. 
  Shaw School District's independence of WBCSD has the potential to stimulate the economy of the City of Shaw; by providing our community employment opportunities.
• Previously, Shaw School District had a curriculum and programs; which provided enrichment and assisted students in their educational endeavors.
• The students had more opportunities available to them when Shaw School District was independent; in contrast to what's offered by West Bolivar Consolidated School District. since the merger. 
  Evidence reflects smaller school districts optimize student learning capabilities.
• Parents, teachers, and administrators are more accessible; if problems arise regarding students.
• The independence of Shaw School District also has the potential to minimize transportation costs; based upon locality of students.
• Parents would also have feelings of contentment, knowing their children are within close proximity to them.
  Shaw School District's independence would also be beneficial in terms of emergency management operations. The City of Shaw has a local police department, fire department, and is in close proximity of local hospitals.
• Many of the current administrators and teachers are familiar with each student and their individual needs.
  The independent operations of Shaw School District has the potential to create a positive learning environment for both students and teachers. 
• The independent operations of Shaw School District has the potential to impart sustainability. More effective and efficient administration would allot children the quality education they need and deserve. 

Overall, the merger of West Bolivar Consolidated School District has not benefited our children; nor the community within the City of Shaw. The blatant inconsistencies, instability, misappropriation of funding, negligence, and overall the decreased school rating is a clear indication our children are not receiving the quality of education necessitated to function and survive in a modern world. As a result, We the citizens of Shaw including but not limited to the parents of the children in attendance of McEvans Elementary School and Shaw High School, Shaw High School alumni, McEvans High School alumni, and the current students McEvans Elementary School and Shaw High School formally request to dissolve the merger of the West Bolivar Consolidated School District; effective immediately.