NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District plans the first in a series of community public forums tonight discussing a variety of topics regarding the district and other statewide issues.

Today’s meeting, which will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Natchez Coffee Company on Franklin Street, will center on the state’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which requires third-grade students to reach a certain achievement level in reading before advancing to the fourth grade.

The Literacy-Based Promotion Act was passed during the 2013 Mississippi Legislature and mandates that students scoring at the lowest achievement level in reading on state tests for third graders would not be promoted to the fourth grade.

The requirements went into effect for the first time this school year.

NASD Deputy Superintendent Tanish Smith and several of the district’s elementary school principals plan to participate in the discussions tonight.

District officials invite parents and members of the community to join in the community forum.

The district’s grading policy and other items will also be discussed.

Other community forums will be hosted in February, March and April at various locations throughout Natchez.

For more information, call 601-442-7728.