NATCHEZ — Tony Fields hopes to take what he learned at Frazier Elementary to Natchez High School as its newly appointed principal.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Fields said standing outside of Natchez High School. “But I feel good about it and I’m up to the challenge. It’s a great staff already here at Natchez High School, so I’m just coming to do my part.”

Fields’ appointment came after the resignation of former Natchez High School Principal Will Smith, who was hired at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.

Although Fields hasn’t had the opportunity to decorate his office as of yet, major goals have already been set in motion.

“I want to increase the graduation rates and have good school pride by keeping the culture positive,” Fields said. “I want the kids to have an enjoyable high school experience.”

Fields, who graduated from Natchez High School, didn’t expect to become the principal at the school from which he graduated in 1994.

“Fortunately I was a part of the first full class to do the first four years of the newly formed Natchez High School,” Fields said.

As Fields returns to his high school with more understanding than he had in 1994, he hopes to communicate with parents, teachers and students to assure the success of Natchez High School.

“Communication is going to be the big key in what we do here at Natchez High School,” Fields said. “I just like to keep things positive, no matter who I’m dealing with. I want to get input from everyone on how to make our school the best school.”

Fields said Superintendent Frederick Hill discussed the administrative change with him — weighing the pros and cons.

“The pros far outweigh the cons,” Fields said. “(Hill) felt comfortable enough to present it to the school board, who ultimately approved the decision Tuesday.”

Hill said he thinks Fields will bring stability to Natchez High School.

“Just look at the results from his leadership at Frazier Elementary,” Hill said. “When he first took over leadership, he worked hard to move the school forward. We felt like he could do the same for Natchez High School since he’s highly respected in the community.”

Fields said he was happy to discover he would have the opportunity to lead Natchez High School, but that happiness soon turned bittersweet for Fields.

“We were able to do a lot of good things at Frazier,” Fields said. “I’m going to miss the staff there, because we really formed a bond dealing with younger kids.”

One of Fields’ biggest accomplishments at Frazier Elementary was establishing a relationship with parents, teachers and students, a practice he hopes to implement at Natchez High School.

“Just creating a culture where kids wanted to come to school, parents felt welcome and teachers were anxious to teach everyday was one of our biggest accomplishments,” Fields said.

Fields has worked in the Natchez-Adams School District for 13 years. He started as a music teacher at Morgantown Middle School and worked his way up to administration positions.

Fields served as principal at Frazier Elementary for two years.