Right now, DeSoto County residents face significant barriers to direct democratic accountability within our public school governance. The position of School Superintendent has operated under an appointed structure since 2016, placing the chief executive decision-making power outside the direct influence of voters. Furthermore, school board members serve lengthy six-year terms with no limits on consecutive service, which can lead to prolonged stagnation and a lack of responsiveness to changing community needs.
We, the residents of DeSoto County, are formally calling on Senator Michael McLendon and our state legislative delegation to introduce a local bill to restore direct public accountability. Specifically, we request legislation that will:
Establish a Strict Two-Term Limit: Cap the service of local school board members at two consecutive terms to encourage fresh leadership, diverse perspectives, and regular community review.
Return the Superintendent Position to the Ballot: Transition the superintendent role back into an elected office, ensuring that the district's top executive is directly answerable to the parents, taxpayers, and voters of DeSoto County.

Strong public schools require transparent, accountable, and democratically responsive leadership. Sign this petition to demand structural reform and restore our community's voice in local education!