NATCHEZ &045; When Cindy Idom took over the reigns as principal at West Primary School this fall, she had a good school.

But, as Idom said in her report to the Natchez-Adams School District Board of Trustees Thursday evening, there were some areas for improvement.

&uot;We have some areas that need strengthening,&uot; she said.

One of the areas in question, as in many area schools, is test scores. The students at West scored well in reading and math for a few years, but Idom said their math scores dropped below the national average last year.

Idom said there’s a bit too much absenteeism at West for her tastes, as well.

The new principal has a plan, though. Idom has encouraged teachers to give more rigorous drilling in math skills.

She has also devised a system of rewards for good attendance.

Idom said she expects a quick turnaround with both problem areas, both because of the quality of her students and teachers and because of the high level of parent involvement at West.

&uot;We have our plan, and we’re sticking to it,&uot;

Idom said.

Idom’s report was part of a school-by school review requested by the board.

In other business, the board voted to:

4Accept materials, equipment and money donated to the district during October and November.

4Approve the Natchez High track team’s Jan. 10 and 11 trip to LSU in Baton Rouge to participate in an indoor track meet and Jan. 25 and Feb. 8 trips to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., for meets in that city.

4Approve disposal of obsolete or broken equipment.

4Reschedule January’s meeting from Jan 6 to Jan 16 due to conflicts presented by the Christmas holidays.

4Approve the amended budget for 2002-2003.

4Advertise for school depository bids.

4Allow Morgantown Elementary to enter into a training contract for reading workshops with Shurley Enterprises.

4Bill Clark Nerren of Bay Gas for damage done to timber on board-owned land on Giles Island.