School board declares state of emergency

By Adam Koob (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, September 12, 2008

NATCHEZ — Thursday’s meeting of the Natchez-Adams School District included the passage of a resolution that would allow the district to declare a state of emergency as a result of Gustav.

District Superintendent Anthony Morris said the declaration was necessary for the board so that they could be reimbursed by state or federal agencies for their role in sheltering storm evacuees if needed.

“They’re may be some expenses related to the shelter not covered by Red Cross,” he said.

The shelter was open for several days and Morris estimated it housed up to 150 evacuees.

In other news, the board voted to re-enter a contract with Renaissance Learning.

The company provides programs to the district which are meant to raise student’s test scores on the STAR Reading and STAR math assessment tests.

Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction Charlotte Franklin said the district has used the programs for several years and has seen success.

Franklin said she believed the district’s newest teachers would also benefit from the instruction that comes with the Renaissance program.

West Primary School does not participate in the program.

The program costs the district $87,900 and is federally funded.