NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP) - An administrative consultant for the Natchez-Adams School District will start his new job Monday.

The Natchez Democrat reports (http://bit.ly/UZg7eF ) the hiring of the consultant was approved Wednesday afternoon during a specially called meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Superintendent Frederick Hill requested the position, saying that it was needed for the many projects and initiatives being implemented in the district.

Hill recommended to the board that Orlando C. Pannell of Tupelo be hired for the position.

Hill said the main responsibilities of the position would focus around reducing dropout rates in the district, working to ensure the opening of Robert Lewis Middle School as a magnet school in the 2013-2014 school year and handling public relations matters for the district.

Information from: The Natchez Democrat, http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/

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