Creel announces candidacy

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Margie Creel has announced her candidacy and released this statement.)

I, Margie Montgomery Creel, am pleased to officially announce that I seek re-election to the Pearl River County School Board, District 5. I have been honored and privileged to serve this community over my last term and I humbly ask for your support on Nov. 3.

Many changes have taken place in our community during my term and I have done my best to be proactive and thoughtful of policies that would benefit our children. I have and will continue to have an “open door” policy when dealing with your concerns. I know that listening to your concerns and acting on them is a vital link in serving well. I do not make decisions lightly. Occasionally, I have made the hard decision or the unpopular choice but you can be guaranteed that I have spent much time in thought and prayer before I render a decision. I know I have made mistakes, but mistakes are lessons in wisdom and that makes me a better board member. I am a person of high ethical and moral standards committed to continuing the challenge to our administration and teachers to provide a first-rate learning and teaching environment.

After Hurricane Katrina, our school district experienced staggering growth. This has been the most challenging issue facing our school district. While the growth has continued, albeit on a smaller scale, we have made many changes in the past few years to continue improving the educational experience of our students. While many improvements have been made, we still have much work to do. During this time of budget cuts and uncertainty, a veteran board member with knowledge in planning and finances is an asset. I am that person. I know what we are facing and I’m prepared. I have the experience and dedication to handle the uncertain future and I am passionate about our school district and our community. I am well respected on the state level and was appointed to the Mississippi School Board Association Board of Trustees during my term. This appointment was made by school board members statewide. I was honored to represent our school district and community on the state level.

Personally, I am married to John Creel and we have four children. Our two oldest attend Pearl River Central and our youngest two will start school over the next two years. I am a high honor graduate of Pearl River Central and a Dean’s List Scholar graduate in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. My parents, Ed and the late Mary Montgomery, have lived and worked in this community for over 30 years. There is no need to second guess my commitment to this school district. My roots are deep and this community is dear to me. If re-elected, I will continue to be a champion for ALL of our children. Effective leadership is essential to the health of our schools. I offer that I am that leader and I ask for your continued support and vote on Nov. 3.

Thank you.