A move by the Natchez-Adams School Board to have early student-dismissal two days a month next year should actually improve instruction, district officials said.

Board members say they approved the change on Thursday so teachers and principals will have more time for staff development, curriculum development, staff meeting and parental conferences.

After doing some research, district officials decided the extra support to the staff pays off in the classroom.

&uot;It makes a difference with the instruction,&uot; said Superintendent Dr. Carl Davis. &uot;It actually enhances the instruction.&uot;

Students will be dismissed two hours early on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

The time will be a focused time for instruction and not a day for staff to leave early to run errands, Davis said.

The change is in compliance with state guidelines.

The district already exceeds the state’s minimum requirements of having at least 27.5 hours of instruction per 5-day week.

The board also heard a report from Jay Ginn from Jones Community College, the state trainer for school resource officers. These officers are actual police officers who have received special training in working in schools.

The district is looking into improving campus security next year by hiring these types of officers.

&uot;Our kids are good kids,&uot;&160;Davis said. &uot;We’ve had some challenges like every district but nothing major.&uot;

But with resource officers in place, Davis thinks the district could insure even better safety.