NATCHEZ — Frederick Hill, most recently the assistant superintendent of the Tupelo Public School District, was named the new superintendent of the Natchez-Adams School District today at the school board’s specially called board meeting.

School Board President Wayne Barnett said Hill stuck out among other candidates because of a proven track record of increasing student achievement.

Barnett said Hill had administrative experience, particularly as an administrator at a school in North Carolina before his move to Tupelo, in districts with similar demographics to NASD, including predominantly black students and a high number of students on free and reduced lunches.

Barnett said the board was impressed with Hill during his interview.

“(Hill) showed he had done his homework, he knew a good bit about Natchez,” Barnett said.

“(Hill) gave us an idea that let us know that he knew what he was talking about, and that’s what sold him to us.”

Barnett said he thought Hill had the ability to make some needed changes in the district.

“He looks like a young man that’s on the way up, and when he comes to Natchez we’re going to be on the way up,” Barnett said.

Hill will take over the district’s top spot from Interim Superintendent Joyce Johnson on July 1.