KIPP Delta plans to expand their elementary school for the 2014-2015 due to turning away students this year.  Upon reading all their sites, it has always been placed on a lottery system in which most likely students would have to be turned away.

With the population declining in Helena-West Helena, planning to expand a school in the business district of town is deflecting businesses from moving into the Historic Downtown Cherry Street District.  When will the expansion stop?  Are current property owners in hope their distress properties will be purchased as part of the KIPP Delta expansion?  Who is approving the expansion?  Is the community being included in all stages of development or is it a few select few deciding the fate of Helena-West Helena?

People of Helena-West Helena ask these questions.
 
After posting the last few articles wtfhelena,weebly.com site was hacked.  Well, after the initial investigation they site was brought back up.  Will keep you posted in this issue and many other concerns of the residents of Helena West Helena.  
 
Upon trying to find more information regarding the creation of the position Director of Programs for Phillips County, I noticed that the facebook page of  Ms. Quinlen which states, "Started working for Phillips County Chamber of Commerce",  has been removed.  Why would something be posted then removed unless there is something to hide?
   
Trying to understand why the A&P Commission and the Phillips Chamber of Commerce do not post positions that come available opening the hiring process to all who are qualified.  The community has lost so many young and talented people due to lack of jobs in the area.  Keeping families and bringing back families to the community should be a priority.  

 
I see Phillips County Chamber of Commerce has a new Director of Programs.  I never saw this position posted or listed online, newspaper, or the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce Website that a new position was coming available.  


It appears that after almost a year the Phillips County of Chamber website is working; however, I ask what has the current leadership done for Phillips County?  Doug Friedlander must have been so busy to inform the community of his progress, except boasting of his past achievements and wedding this past year, to have any positive and published articles of the actual progress within the county.


Holding his own private "Shark Tank" auditions at the Chamber, neither results nor public notification to invite all to this process, promoting the Delta Bridge Helena Start Up Challenge with neither results posted nor articles on the progress of the winners, and other private promotions within the Chamber of Commerce it is a time for a Chamber of Commerce that Represents the people and businesses of Phillips County versus being a private membership/club for the small group of "friends" who are compensated for their dedication, very well I might say,  by living off the poverty of the Delta.  


Take control back of your community and demand accountability to ensure there is a Helena/West Helena for your children and grand children to come back home.
 
I ask all residents of Helena West Helena to read Act 600 regarding the appointment of the new school board. No one seemed to know about these appointments recommended by our local legislators.  Many community members with children in the public school systems would have liked some input or have been included in this process.   http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2013/2013R/Pages/BillInformation.aspx?measureno=HB1770  Please read this bill which became Act 600
 
New school board appointed for Helena West Helena and guess who made the list?  Doug Friedlander.  How many more appointments and jobs can one person hold?  How effective can any one person by holding this many job titles?  http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/community-advisory-boards-named-two-state-controlled-school-districts.html