Dear editor,

Way back in 1990, I met then Principal John Smith in his office at J. T. Reddick Middle School. I was the ‘rookie’ executive director of the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence. I was on a mission to come up with ideas to help schools heighten their academic performance. Looking back on it, I was fortunate Mr. Smith even granted me an audience.

We started taking about how helpful it would be for 1) every parent to have precise information every afternoon on what was expected of the child in regards to homework, tests and projects, 2) every teacher to know that information was directly and in a timely manner available to the parent and 3) the principal to be able to quickly and easily monitor the process. Principal Smith decided on the ‘Parent Help Line.’ It was the perfect technology for the job at that time. The teachers could quickly record their messages; the parents could count on succinct and timely knowledge of what was expected of their children; and the principal could effectively and rapidly make sure the process was followed.

It was a daring attempt to tackle the age-old problem of communication between child, parent, teachers and principal.

My admiration for Mr. Smith’s ability and leadership was awakened and never wavered thereafter. The Tift County Public School System was so fortunate to have him on board for the full ride.

Mike Brumby

Executive Director, Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence