NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District Board of Trustees stepped outside of the box Tuesday to brainstorm ways to improve the school district.

NASD Safety and Security Supervisor Ray Brown led the visioning session by asking board members what goals should be met in one year, five years and 10 years.

NASD Superintendent Frederick Hill said the session was necessary because the district too often follows what he called “the status quo.”

“Some times we need to be shaken so we can become more revived in what we’re doing,” Hill said.  “We need to have a stronger board, a stronger team. We need to be bold.”

Among board members’ one year goals were to raise the school’s state and national ranking, better prepare kindergarteners for grade school and provide students with more physical and psychological safety.

Five year goals included renovating Natchez High School and re-opening the Washington High School campus as a performing arts and “hall of fame” center.

“I think it would be great to spotlight the achievements of students and teachers,” Hill said.

By 2025, board members said NHS should have all infrastructure issues resolved and boast a 100 percent graduation rate.

Tim Blalock, board president, said he would also like to see the NHS campus be “completely green” in 10 years.

“I don’t think it’s too far of a stretch for us to be solely relying on reusable energy by then,” Blalock said.

And while some board members said these goals may seem lofty, the consensus was with determination, all goals can be met.

“I think if we meet all these goals, then by 2025 we should naturally be a top 100 school district,” said Thelma Newsome, board member.

In order to achieve these goals, Hill said the next step is to think of specific ways to implement them.

“The conversation needs to continue because we need to narrow down these goals to specifics,” Hill said. “We have to start thinking even beyond 2020. By doing that, we can drive the district to success.”