NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School District interim deputy superintendent is one of 30 around the state selected to take part in a leadership academy.

Zandra McDonald has been selected to take part in the Mississippi School Boards Association 2016-17 Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy, a year-long program designed to help prepare a person to be a public school superintendent. The tuition is $1,900.

“This is a great opportunity for me to learn,” McDonald said. “And to make certain that in my current role, I am building knowledge of policies and procedures to make certain the district meets accountability standards.”

McDonald said it also provides a chance to connect with leaders from other districts around the state and compare notes.

“I am excited about the opportunity to meet with my colleagues throughout the state,” she said. “It gives me an opportunity to build networks and make certain we are doing the very best for the students in the Natchez-Adams School District.”

NASD Interim Superintendent Fred Butcher said the district is committed to providing professional development for all employees to maximize their effectiveness, and he said McDonald was no exception.

“Participation in the leadership academy will afford her the opportunity to grow professionally for the benefit of the district,” Butcher said. “The academy provides participants with in-depth professional development on current educational research, importance of district policies in meeting the vision, mission and goals established by the board of trustees, among other target areas.”

In her role as interim deputy superintendent, Butcher said McDonald is providing instructional leadership by working with building administrators and teachers to positively impact student achievement.

“She plays a critical role in improving the learning environment for students in the district,” Butcher said. “She has also assumed additional responsibilities in regards to helping to make certain that federal, state and district mandates are followed.”

Butcher said it was no accident he chose McDonald to be his deputy superintendent.

“Ms. McDonald is very knowledgeable and has served the district well in a number of capacities,” Butcher said. “I selected her to work with me because of her passion for education, wealth of professional knowledge, demonstrated ability to lead a successful school program and her dedication and work ethic for students in the district.”

McDonald, who has also served as Robert Lewis Magnet School principal, said she does intend to get her doctorate in educational leadership.

Some of the curriculum of the monthly training offerings the leadership academy provides includes current research, Mississippi law and the administrative responsibilities for the school district.