By Sarah Cook

NATCHEZ — A resounding “yes” reverberated throughout the Natchez High School Auditorium Tuesday night after Superintendent Frederick Hill asked teachers, parents and students if they believed in the Natchez-Adams School District.

In his inaugural state of the district address, Hill outlined recent school achievements and his goals for the 2015-2016 school year.

“My vision is for great students, great schools and a great community,” said Hill, who assumed leadership of the district in July 2012.

Hill shared four goals he has for the district: increase academic achievement, create safe school environments, offer a positive educational experience and remain in stable financial standings.

Since his arrival, Hill said the district has adopted several programs that give students extra academic support.

“Dual enrollment at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, ACT prep courses, summer classes, after-school tutoring— these are all programs that enable students to get ahead or get caught up,” Hill said. “The goal here is to keep our students in school and get them graduated.”

Two years ago, Hill said the district had a 50 percent graduation rate. Last year, that number grew to 73 percent.

“By 2017, I want to make sure every student receives a diploma,” he said.

Through implementing a “matrix” to deal with disciplinary issues, Hill said the district has also reduced in-school violence significantly.

And from a financial standpoint, Hill pointed out the district is now in 100 percent compliance with the state auditor.

“The Natchez-Adams School District has also been fully accredited by the Mississippi Board of Education with no provisions,” Hill said. “This is a huge accomplishment, and I plan on maintaining that.”

Withstanding issues the superintendent plans to tackle in the upcoming school year include enhancing students’ reading level, recruiting quality educators and looking at infrastructure updates.

“We have great things ahead, and I feel good about the direction we’re going in,” Hill said. “There is no reason why we can’t expect the best for our students.”

Yvonne Singleton, Natchez-Adams School Board secretary, said the state of the district address was something the community needed — and she hopes it becomes an annual event.

“Our children are doing better, and the district is definitely moving forward,” Singleton said. “After listening to what Hill had to say, it’s clear Natchez-Adams School District is on the rise.”

County Court Judge Walt Brown agreed with Singleton and said he’s confident in Hill’s ability to lead Natchez and Adams County schools.

“It’s nice to see that there’s been some improvement since Hill has been here,” said Brown, adding that school safety should remain a top priority. “Sadly, schools have become a dangerous place, and I think it’s important that we keep a strict policy in place for kids’ safety.”

Hill said he plans to keep the community informed of district achievements and failures.

“People seemed to be responsive to what I had to say,” Hill said after the address. “I think we just need to continue with what we know is working—and that’s keeping quality education our number one priority.”