By DAVID NICHOL
T-H Staff Writer
A boycott of the Lee County School District in Marianna went into its second day today, with almost as many absences as on Monday.
The boycott was called by parents who say they are dissatisfied with representation on the district's school board.
On Monday, fewer than 200 of the expected 1,750 students showed up for class. Today was little better, according to Superintendent Wayne Thompson, speaking by phone this morning.
"The number of students is up 91 from yesterday, but it's still considerably less than we normally would expect," said Thompson.
Thompson said he has not met with any of the protesters yet. However, he said the school district would continue to operate, at least for now.
"Right now, we are," he said. "There's a school board meeting tonight, and the board may listen to some of the protesters. It might be resolved and it might not. I have no idea."
Thompson was quoted by the Associated Press saying he believed that race relations were partly to blame.
''I think race has a little something to do with it. Maybe they want a black superintendent,'' he said.
Thompson said the district can do little if students continue to stay home. ''We haven't gotten to the point of knocking on doors,'' he said.
Protest organizer Rev. Ed King was also quoted by the Associated Press as saying the children would remain out of school until the district agrees to hold elections for each of seven school board seats. Under a recent rezoning, elections were scheduled for two of the seats. Racial disparity in the 90 percent black district is a key issue for protest organizers.
''We are being denied the opportunity to properly represent ourselves on the school board,'' King said.
The district's school board has five white members and two black members, and is to meet tonight. Issues related to the dispute are not on the agenda, but board members could still discuss them.
Board member and former state Rep. J.B. Smith said the law requires that elections be held only for the seats with expiring terms. Smith said the protest was the result of misinformation.
King said the group was considering legal action. He said the group planned to address the school board tonight.
''I think the community is ready to keep this going as long as it takes,'' he said.
A letter attributed to protest organizers and circulated throughout the community said the group was upset with the way school board and administrative officials have handled school matters. They demanded that board members and administrators resign.
They also alleged the school officials violated federal law regarding zoning for school board positions and violated the civil rights of some of those who filed for board positions.
King said that he was not the author of the letter and that the letter did not represent the views of everyone in the group.
King could not be reached this morning.
The 27th annual Junior Auxiliary Shops of LaPetite will be held Sept. 21 and 22 at the Forrest City Civic Center.
Hours will be from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 and from 12 noon until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.
"This year we are very excited about the many wonderful vendors that will be there," said Jamie Foust, chairman. "It is going to be a great success."
The ever-popular LaPetite cafe will also be open, with all the goodies for which the cafe has been known.
Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the door. Children aged 6-12 are $1 and children under the age of 6 are admitted free with a paid adult.
Advance tickets may be purchased from any Junior Auxiliary member or at any of the following locations in Forrest City: Antique Rose, Chez Weenie, Parker Furniture, Southern Furniture, Classic Flowers, Ruby's Flowers, Taylor Casbeer, Edwin Houston and Dixie Furniture.