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NATCHEZ — Following a public search for Natchez Adams School District’s new school superintendent, former Interim Superintendent Zandra McDonald-Green will transition into the role as of July 1.

The NASD Board of Trustees approved Green’s contract with a unanimous vote during a special called meeting on April 23.

It was noted at the meeting that a public search was conducted for this position before a motion was made by board member Phillip West and seconded by Dianne Bunch, Ph.D., to approve a three-year contract beginning July 1.

The annual salary is $150,000.

School Board President Amos James said there were a total of three applicants and of them, Green was the most qualified candidate.

“She is very knowledgeable about how the district is run and I think she’s a great choice,” he said. “She is familiar with the community, the kids and their parents.”

Green has dedicated more than 25 years to NASD in the roles of teacher, principal and deputy superintendent interim superintendent and an alumnus of the school district.

Green takes the helm of NASD after Superintendent Fred Butcher officially retired on June 30, 2023, having spent seven years in that role with Green working as deputy superintendent.

Since becoming interim superintendent Green has focused on opening communications with “Community Conversations” inviting stakeholders and the wider community to the Natchez High School cafeteria for a series of forums to hear updates on what the district is doing and share their thoughts and questions.

She stated in a letter she wrote after being named interim superintendent, “I value your input. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to foster strong partnerships between students, parents, educators, and the wider community.”

James said these town hall meetings are what stood out to him most as a positive thing she has done — “making the bridge from NASD to the wider community.”

One of the first major changes made under Green’s leadership is the reorganization of the district’s kindergarten through eighth-grade schools to grade-level-based rather than community-based schools, which will go into effect next school year.

This is a twofold approach to address a shortage of highly qualified teachers at the elementary level and socialize students with their peers in other communities at a younger age before they reach middle school.

This was also done after the district sought stakeholder input with a Community Conversations forum and with an online survey.

“This decision was not made lightly but one that we believe will be a significant step forward for our school district, aiming to enhance the quality of education and the overall experience for our children,” Green said.

“We acknowledge that change is never easy, but it is often necessary to achieve growth and improvement. This reorganization will involve adjustments and transitions that may initially seem challenging. However, we firmly believe that these changes will bring long-term benefits to our students, teachers, and the entire community.”