By Johnny Birdsong 

 

Our children are our future. What we want that future to look like depends on what they are taught, see, and are told about themselves today. What examples are we setting?

 

My mother was a schoolteacher. I got to see from a different perspective what it takes. It takes a lot of time, understanding, determination, patience and mostly a lot of love for what you do. I have often said that I can’t think of any job with more importance than our teachers. Education is critical.

 

This issues’ A Southern Gentleman Is... Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools for Franklin Special School District (FSSD). I had the honor of getting to meet and talk with Dr. Snowden and left thinking ‘what a wonderful man, a Southern Gentleman indeed.’

 

Here is a little more from our conversation.

 

As a youngster growing up in rural Mississippi, other than my parents, the individuals who positively impacted my life were teachers and coaches. Therefore, I made the decision to choose a career in education as a senior in high school. I wanted to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students like my teachers had done for me.

 

In 1981, I was serving as a Superintendent of Schools in Pascagoula, Mississippi, when I heard about the opening for the FSSD Director of Schools position. The entire selection process took several weeks to reach the point where I was named as one of three finalists. Two of the FSSD Board members came to Pascagoula to continue the vetting process. A couple of weeks later, I received the call that I’d been selected. Fast forward twenty-three years later, I am fortunate and blessed to begin my twenty-fourth year in this position.

 

Both school districts are high performing and provide great opportunities for students. We believe being a smaller district provides easier opportunities for district-wide collaboration and consistency across schools. We also think our smaller student enrollment at each school is a positive when focusing on meeting the needs of each child and the ease of creating an inviting family atmosphere.

 

No matter where you live, all parents desire for their children to have great educational opportunities and their expectations are high, as they should be.

 

Working to positively impact the lives of students continues to motivate us each day and we stay inspired by the immense work done each day by our passionate and dedicated teachers, administrators and all employees of the school district.

 

Being in this role has provided me with the opportunities to meet and work with awesome individuals throughout the county and to create positive relationships and lasting friendships.

 

With the support of the Board of Education and many others, we implemented the FSSD Therapy Dog program in 2019, which has now grown to include a therapy dog at each school. We have seen positive results and these trained canine friends continue to improve the overall environment of each school for both students and adults.

 

We are always appreciative of the community support and one of the best ways to support students is by volunteering in a school. We also have opportunities for guest speakers who can add value to the educational content being discussed, and we always appreciate their willingness to share their expertise.

 

We have to be optimistic, be willing to listen to all concerns and ideas and constantly communicate to constituents and create an inviting environment to everyone. We want everyone to have a sense of belonging in our schools and in the district as a whole.

 

One of the biggest challenges is continuing to find ways to support our students who struggle with anxiety and behavioral issues. We utilize a “Positive Behavior Intervention Support” program in all schools and we provide ongoing professional learning for educators related to social/emotional learning, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and overall trauma. Even with these plans and programs in place, we will continue to search for more and possibly better ways to help students.

 

First and foremost, we believe a Southern Gentleman, or any gentleman for that matter, demonstrates respect to everyone and is willing to have considerate discussions with anyone regardless of whether they agree or disagree on a particular subject. People can disagree without being disagreeable. Even though the use of the terms “sir” and “ma’am” are not in vogue now, we were taught to use them as terms of respect. Being polite and kind is also extremely important which, in my opinion, includes opening doors, assisting with the carrying of heavy items, assisting with coats and offering his seat. He doesn’t believe chivalrous behavior towards women is outdated. He values honesty and integrity in what he says and does and he utilizes proper manners and etiquette in all situations. We believe he is also one who is modest and does not seek attention or boast of accomplishments.