Superintendent says MDE requires Community Engagement Council after low ratings; counselors report conference learnings

Superintendent Zandra McDonald told the Natchez-Adams School District Board of Trustees on Feb. 17 that the Mississippi Department of Education requires the district to establish a Community Engagement Council because of accountability ratings for Morgantown Elementary and Natchez Middle School.

McDonald said the council will serve as an advisory body to examine district data and policy. She reported a recent community conversation with roughly 30–35 students from Natchez Middle School, Natchez High School and Natchez Early College and said the district intends to continue student-centered engagement to better understand what students say is working and what is not.

School counselors Monica King and Felicia Durr presented information they gathered from recent professional conferences and thanked the board for supporting their participation. The board received a certificate and a proclamation from the governor recognizing School Board Appreciation Week (Feb. 16–20); administrators and staff provided refreshments to honor board members.

McDonald also announced a Parent University scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Natchez High School and highlighted district athletic successes, noting Natchez High School’s boys' basketball team won the district championship and will advance to the playoffs. Coach David Haywood was named District Coach of the Year, and player Daylen Haywood was named District Player of the Year.

The district plans to reconvene stakeholders and proceed with the Community Engagement Council in accordance with MDE guidance.