[Theodore R.]

If MS public schools are 53 percent black, it makes me wonder how Haley Barbour can be elected governor without getting some black support. And nearly all blacks are voting the straight Democrat ticket.

[smalltown]

Mississippi's population is approximately 37% African-American. That is the highest such percentage in the country. The 53% figure refers to public schools only.

If I remember correctly, the average teacher salary was at 38k a year or two ago. It was a little below the regional average.

Also, a few years ago, Tupelo had a nationally recognized school system. My guess is that they still have pretty good schools in Tupelo. Recruitment of minority teachers is par for the course at all levels of education and has been for many years.