NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District is inviting businesses and individuals into its schools to help increase community buy-in and test scores through its Partners in Education program.

Public Relations Coordinator Steven Richardson said there’s a reason the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is cliché, and that’s because it’s tried and true.

“It remains true today,” Richardson said. “When an entire community is supporting a school, statistics show it improves that school.”

Richardson said sometimes all it takes for a student to achieve success is to see that there are stakeholders interested in his or her outcome.

The district is looking for mentors, tutors and speakers, as well as resources and internship opportunities for students, among other potential activities to help students, teachers and administrators.

“We need support going into the new year,” Richardson said. “Such support will lead to a rise in our state ratings in the near future.”

The Mississippi Department of Education recently released its state ratings, and the Natchez-Adams School District was rated at a D-level again for the 2014-15 school year.

Richardson said speakers and mentors could go beyond what teachers typically have time for and help students with preparing for being more college and career ready.

“Our teachers, most, if not all of them would love to take more time to teach students about everything in life, from careers to college,” Richardson said. “Unfortunately, the school day is not structured for that. But we can look outside the district to add that other piece.”

For example, Richardson said Robert Lewis Magnet School is a Science Technology Engineering and Math school, and a commitment from an engineering firm would make for a great partnership.

“You could do experiments with the students or bring your tools to show the students how they work,” he said. “Or we could arrange for students to be transported to your facility, and they could get first-hand experience in the field of engineering.”

The district also has an arts school, Morgantown Arts Academy, and Richardson said a good example partner there would be a performing arts community or some of the area artists.

Partners in Education never went away, Richardson said, but now the district would like to expand it.

“We really want to thank our partners who have helped throughout the years,” he said. “Now we want to move it forward to get the most benefit. The possibilities are endless.”

Richardson said the doors of the district are open to everyone, as will be the Natchez Convention Center at 6 p.m., Monday for the Partners in Education info session.

The principals or a representative of all 10 schools will be on hand for the event to talk with potential partners about finding a fit for community members at his or her school.

Should an interested partner not be able to make the event Monday, Richardson said he or she could meet with him individually. He can be reached at 601-445-2843 or srichardson@natchez.k12.ms.us.