Editor, Gazette-Journal:

My thanks to the Gazette-Journal for getting the correct information in your article about the Mathews school board meeting in the July 23 issue to discuss changing the name of Lee-Jackson School.

During my short comment period, another publication quoted me as saying that “I never had any problems with segregation,” followed by referring to me as “white.” My actual words were that “I never had any problems with integration.” This publishing error has caused me a considerable amount of heartache, as you might expect. I have never been in support of segregation. I have requested a retraction, but who reads retractions?

My comments regarding the name change were in opposition only because the students and teachers desperately need funding for more immediate concerns. For example, families with limited funds cannot afford to have their children join a music or sports program. Instrument and equipment rentals are expensive, but the benefits can be life-ch...