Partners in Education awards are nothing new for the Natchez-Adams School District.

The partners program is honored with the Governor’s Excellence Award nearly every year. This year was no exception. West Primary received recognition for its work Monday.

The program revolves around a wonderful idea. It partners local businesses, industries and individuals with a school. The partners provide not only financial support, but more importantly, time.

Partners visit schools to read to students, attend special events and just offer a high-five.

But just because the program wins awards doesn’t mean it has reached its full potential.

Teachers and administrators will tell you they need more outside support if we ever hope to see our public schools be all that they can be.

Some partners on board are happy to throw money at the school, but don’t often speak positively about our public schools. They don’t visit very often and they aren’t getting to know the students and parents involved.

Other local businesses and individuals aren’t partners at all.

All six of our public schools, plus Central Alternative and Fallin Career and Technology Center, need all-around support.

The program is in place. It’s been a success to this point and deserves recognition.

But we cannot just award the gold star and walk away.

Being a true partner in the education of our local children means all hands are on deck all the time.