JACKSON &045; The 18 Natchez residents who converged Tuesday at the Capitol with about 1,000 other education supporters from across the state heard a positive message from legislators, but were told the fight isn’t over yet.

The morning march to the Capitol from the fairgrounds was the result of a statewide petition drive in favor of the full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. The petition containing 137,422 signatures was presented to legislators in attendance.

&uot;You believe education is the No. 1 priority in the state,&uot; said Sen. Mike Chaney, who chairs the Senate Education Committee. &uot;My colleagues agree with you and I believe funding, full funding, is the No. 1 priority in the state of Mississippi and we intend to do it.

We will not sleep until we fully fund the adequate education program.&uot;

The Department of Education has asked for $381 million, a $266 million increase over this year. The governor’s proposal increases spending by $66.9 million.

MAEP funding this year was $79.3 short of the requested amount.

Former Governor William Winter and businessman Jack Reed lead the Coalition for Children and Public Education, which started the petition drive and organized the march. Parents, business leaders and community members wore red and carried signs to convey their message.

&uot;There are a few, rare times in our lives when we have the opportunity to make a permanent impact on the future,&uot; Winter told the crowd. &uot;This is one of those times. This is an historic event.&uot;

Winter said Mississippi spends less per pupil than all but two other states, a fact he wasn’t proud of despite positive state advances during his lifetime.

&uot;If we do not act at this legislative session to fully fund the Adequate Education Program we shall begin a slow slide backward,&uot; Winter said.

Reed stressed the importance of education to economic development and said despite claims of inefficiency teachers and administrators are paid under the national average.

&uot;Do as you’ve done,&uot; Reed said to the crowd. &uot;Just put our children first. Be proud of your presence. It was a noble effort for a just cause and God willing we will win.&uot;

Natchez-Adams Superintendent Anthony Morris, who attended the march, said he thought the event was an exciting experience but was still worried about the coming year’s budget.

&uot;I still have a few reservations about it being fully funded,&uot; he said. &uot;I think it’s going to be a battle. I do think the message was strong enough today, that if it is not fully funded it’s not something the state is going to take lightly.&uot;

The Natchez group included ministers, parents, retirees and businessmen.

&uot;It’s important to support our education system that is the heart of our society,&uot; Rev. Clifton Marvel said. &uot;When the people speak those in a position of authority must listen.&uot;

Bishop James Calhoun said he dropped everything to make Tuesday’s march a priority.

&uot;I mainly came because I wanted to see the Adams County school system move ahead,&uot; Calhoun said. &uot;It’s a blessing to see the unity here and the people from all over the state.&uot;

Morris said he thought the experience was a good one for the Natchez group.

&uot;Our group was excited to see the number of people that were there,&uot; he said. &uot;To be a part of the process and try to influence legislation, it makes them more enthusiastic to do things here, locally.&uot;

After the rally on the Capitol steps the Natchez group went inside to speak with the legislative delegation. Though most were out for lunch, the group did speak with Rep. David Green.