Who We Are
We are a group of local parents who support the public schools of both Meridian and Lauderdale County. Our membership is drawn from both school districts and includes parents from different neighborhoods ,of different income levels, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and varied educational backgrounds. Started in Meridian in 2008 by a group of concerned parents, PPS-Meridian/Lauderdale (PPSMLC) is an independent chapter affiliated with Parents for Public Schools, Inc., a national organization of local chapters dedicated to strengthening and promoting public schools throughout the country. PPSMLC serves, directly or indirectly, all Meridian and Lauderdale County children and their families. PPSMLC has become a respected and prominent supporter of Meridian and Lauderdale County public schools and an advocate for the parent voice in school reform.
What We Believe
We believe that
- A high-quality strong public school system is at the heart of a healthy city and helps sustain economic growth and prosperity
- Public schools must meet the needs of all students.
- Proactive parent involvement helps public schools attract all families in a community by making sure all schools effectively serve all children.
- Parents have both a right and a responsibility to be constructive participants in the decision-making that affects their children’s education.
- Ongoing community support and involvement are necessary to maintain the quality of our schools
- We must work together to continually improve public education for all children, not just our own.
PPSMLC Core Values
We value
- Free and accessible quality education for all students.
- Effective and focused parent engagement.
- Parents as owners of public schools and peers with all those seeking to improve schools.
- Volunteers, staff and donors through respect and recognition.
- Diversity in its many dimensions, especially in those families who have traditionally been under-involved.
- High ethical standards with integrity, openness and accountability.