NATCHEZ &045; It’s becoming sort of a war cry for educators &045; fully fund MAEP.

So, in keeping with the rest of the state and previous stances from the superintendent the Natchez-Adams School Board passed a resolution Thursday in favor of the full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the state’s plan to give all schools the money needed to meet midlevel accreditation standards.

The resolution says full funding is necessary for the district to carry out its obligation to the children of the community as set forth by state and federal law. The resolution requests the support of local legislators in approving a state law to guarantee full and stable funding of MAEP.

The resolution is something Superintendent Anthony Morris said the Mississippi Association of School Board members has asked each state board to sign.

The school board raised taxes over the summer to make up for the funds they had hoped would come from MAEP.

In other business the board approved the direct deposit of monthly payrolls for employees. Britton and Koontz, the district’s depository, will provide the service. The district will be charged $15 per direct deposited payroll and $.10 per transaction.

The board discussed re-examining the issue when the current depository contract expires in June. Bids are currently out for the next four year’s bank service.

The board also heard mid-year reports from the principals based on goals set forth at the start of the year.

&uot;I’m very pleased with the hard work principals have been putting out this year,&uot; Morris said. &uot;They are going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis.&uot;

Each principal told the board they were working to improve student achievement, behavior and attendance at their respective schools.

Central Alternative Principal Lorenzo Stampley said his school was working to reduce the number of office referrals by recognizing model behavior and conveying the four A’s, attention, attire, achievement and attitude.

&uot;That’s a very sensitive school,&uot; board Chairman Norris Edney said. &uot;It’s going to take special people with special tolerance and I’m sure you get tested to your limits at any time.&uot;

Robert Lewis Middle School Principal Bettye Bell and Natchez High principal James Loftin told the board attendance was still a problem at both their schools.

Morgantown Elementary Principal Fred Marsalis and McLaurin Principal Karen Tutor said parent and community support was improving in their schools and was having a direct impact on student performance.

Primary school principals Lorraine Franklin and Cindy Idom said tutoring programs and reading programs were in place to help students.

Fallin Career and Technology Center Director Linda Grafton said she was working to increase enrollment in the school’s programs.