iy eliate) UW Sicclateee Schools Satan Jackson Public Schools Cedvick Gray, 4.0. Superintendent of Schools {562 South Present Set PO. Box 2338, Jackson, MS 39225-2338 Phone 601-960-8725 Facsimile 601-960-8713 Email cegray@jacison kI2.msus ‘worajackson <12.ms.us August 27, 2015 Dear Employees, We are working hard to improve the image and perception of Jackson Public Schools and need your help to do it. 1 know that many of you take pride in the schools where you work, as I do. There are generations of employees and families who have walked the halls and graduated from schools in our District, and for that we are proud and honored. I am providing you this communication to ensure that you have formal guidance and direction from my perspective and expectations regarding your interactions with local news and other media organizations. 1 acknowledge and respect that many of you have great working relationships with our local news media. These relationships facilitate sharing positive information about what we are doing in the schools and can help engage JPS parents and the community. However, if you have concerns or issues that do not shed a positive light on the District, | am asking that you give us the opportunity to address your concerns. While we value our partnerships with the local news media, they can only report or exploit the problems and challenges in our schools. We have the power and resources to correct those concerns. If you have a problem or conflict at your school, please let us know immediately about it, so we can find a solution, Please start with the school principal or appropriate supervisor. If you are not pleased with the resolution at the school level, you may contact the Chief Academic Officer for that school's division for assistance. They are listed below for your reference: Dr. William Merritt, Elementary Division, 601-960-8874 Dr. Michelle King, Elementary Division, 601-960-8921 Chinelo Evans, Middle School Division, 601-960-8869 Dr. Freddrick Murray, High School Division, 601-960-8730 All employees must have approval from the Public and Media Relations office or Superintendent's office before granting media interviews regarding topics related to Jackson Public Schools. Only working together will we be able to build stronger schools. Spferintendent