Despite rumors to the contrary, Natchez Superintendent Dr. Carl Davis said he has not taken a job with another school district.

&uot;I came here to do a job,&uot; Davis said Wednesday. &uot;My job is to make sure I can enhance the educational opportunities for the boys and girls of our community. I’m committed to doing that.&uot;

He has been superintendent of the Natchez-Adams School District since January 1999 and is under a four-year contract.

Davis, who is black, said he has not applied anywhere or prepared any resumes during the past year, but that minority superintendents were in demand across the country. He admitted that several search committees from other state districts, had contacted him about adding his name to their list of candidates.

Davis said he was flattered but told the groups he wanted to continue the work that has begun in the local district.

&uot;What I want to do is make sure we are successful here in Natchez,&uot; he said.

Since moving to Natchez, the district has implemented several new strategies to improve student performance, accountability and discipline. It has also developed similar strategies for district staff.

The district has also proposed a controversial plan to reduce the student population at its upper elementary schools.

&uot;Right now I’m focused on what’s best for Natchez,&uot; he said.

Davis said he thinks the Natchez district and its staff are moving in the right direction.

&uot;I just think we’re doing a good job,&uot; he said. &uot;We’re working together and we want to continue to work together.&uot;

According to Davis, there is a demand for minority superintendents across the state and this may be a reason other district’s have contacted him.