Good things are happening at Natchez public schools, and that’s something that’s good for all of us, regardless of whether you have a child in the district.

Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Frederick Hill gave his first State of the District address on Tuesday night.

Hill outlined four goals for the district, which include increasing academic achievement, making schools a safe environment, offering a positive school experience, all while keeping the district’s finances stable.

While our public school system has much work ahead, it has made a number of significant strides in recent years.

In the last two years, graduation rates have risen from 50 percent to last year’s rate of 73 percent.

That’s not a graduation rate in which to take pride — 100 percent would be optimal — but it is a step in the right direction.

Hill said he hopes by 2017, “every student receives a diploma.”

The district has also reduced in-school violence through new disciplinary procedures.

The adage “It takes a village,” is particularly true when it comes to our children and our public schools.

In so many ways, the economic success of our community is tied to having a thriving public school system.

Take some time to think about how you can help the Natchez-Adams School District. Perhaps you can tutor a child. Maybe you can read to an elementary school class. Maybe you can simply attend an athletic event and offer support.

Helping build a strong public school district benefits us all.