NATCHEZ &045; Community members and school administrators pointed out two positive, outside influences in the public schools Friday at their quarterly community meeting.

Marilyn Turner, parent center coordinator based at Robert Lewis Middle School, told the group of leaders involved with local juveniles that the RLMS ministers mentoring program has continued to grow.

The ministers, and some lay persons, come into the school and walk the halls and communicate with students throughout the week. Turner said the school now has 25 regular attending mentors.

Police Chief Mike Mullins said he thought the program was having a positive affect at the school and suggested starting a similar program at Central Alternative School.

&uot;That’s one of the things that is needed more, mentors,&uot; Mullins said.

District Director of Operations Wayne Barnett also praised the effectiveness of school resource officers, police officers stationed at the schools.

&uot;They build a relationship with the students,&uot; Barnett said. &uot;We hear about the problems, but we don’t hear about the ones that the SRO has made a difference in the life of, just by building a relationship.&uot;

The SROs are funded through a grant program that expires this year. In the future the school board will have to decide whether or not to fund the program with district money. Barnett said there was the possibility for other grants, but they were not guaranteed.

Fallin Career and Technology Center Director Linda Grafton said she appreciated having the SROs around.

&uot;They have been invaluable by walking through my building,&uot; Grafton said. &uot;And when I do need them, they are there.&uot;

Mullins expressed concern that the officers do not have proper training to deal with emotional issues with the students. They are trained police officers and are capable of handling any dangerous situations, but Mullins questioned the mentoring training they may have.

Superintendent Anthony Morris said dealing with childhood emotions is something that is constantly changing.

&uot;For emotional issues we have to deal with in the public schools, training is really limited for everybody in dealing with those type situations.&uot;