NATCHEZ — The new human resources director at the Natchez-Adams School District has a sharp focus on recruiting and retaining teachers.

The choices John Sullivan makes will have a big impact on the district’s schools.

Sullivan originally from Yazoo County, has worked as a school principal and has done work with juvenile offenders.

“My primary focus is to recruit and retain teachers,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is in a constant search for highly qualified teachers.

“Obviously, every district wants the best teachers,” Sullivan said.

And Sullivan is feeling the pressure from other districts, like DeSoto and Madison.

“The North Mississippi area is a growing community. People are attracted to it,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan also said that higher starting salaries in counties like DeSoto are more attractive to fresh graduates.

Sullivan said young graduates are more apt to relocate “they are not rooted yet.” While Sullivan strives to retain the already certified he is also constantly searching for new teachers.

“Obviously, every district wants the best teachers,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is also trying to recruit educators from universities to teach in Natchez.

In addition, Sullivan must ensure that all teachers in Adams County meet certification requirements.

In June 2008, 50 teachers in Adams County will have expired certifications.

“I’m working on getting all of them recertified,” he said.

Sullivan is in the process of sending all 50 teachers monthly reminders and researching what each must do to retain certification.

Sullivan is confident that no teacher will allow his or her certification to lapse.

“We don’t want anyone waiting until the last minute,” Sullivan said.

Teachers need to be recertified every five years. Recertification normally consists of some type of continuing education program. Teachers may even take college courses to recertify.

In his new role in human resources Sullivan is trying to make the applicants feel as comfortable as possible.

Sullivan says he has an open-door policy for new applicants.

“If they come in to apply and they have questions, I’ll talk to them,” Sullivan said.

And it’s this type of compassion that got Sullivan hired.

“He’s a good guy. We interviewed several people. He had the strongest interview,” Assistant Superintendent Larry Little said.

“I have worked in small schools and big schools with all types of demographics,” Sullivan said.

Before moving to Natchez, Sullivan was principal of Shaw High School in Shaw.

So far, Sullivan said he has enjoyed his time in Natchez.