Standing in the pulpit of Highland Baptist Church, Meridian superintendent Charlie Kent said he's not claiming to be a preacher, but he says he does have a message for the congregation of dozens of local ministers.

Kent said it's a new era for Meridian Public Schools. He says he's looking to challenge local ministers who are key players students' success, to be more active within the district.

"We want them to partner with us because the majority of their parishioners, their children, are in our schools," said Kent. "We have a problem in education today."

Kent said he recognizes we're in the Bible Belt and ministers are leaders in this community. He said he wants local clergy to help him get the message of bettering the students across the pulpit.

"And if we are sending the same message or messages to the students, then we are on the same page and that should be able to grow our district," said the superintendent.

"We get our churches and other members in our community involved and our children win, so I'm very encouraged by this," said the Rev. Carl White, senior pastor of Highland Baptist Church.

There weren't a lot of questions asked during the meeting, but there were a few people who raised concerns. The Rev. Dr. Sam Thompson of 31st Avenue Baptist Church said he's ready to reach out to students within the district.

"I think we are going to get a lot of support from the pastors as it relates to his tenure as superintendent," said Thompson.

"We want to see them, and we want to make sure that their students see them other than on Sunday morning," Kent said.

Kent's next step is to reach out to the parents. He says soon town hall meetings will be held to address concerns. He said with prayer, parental involvement, and the community's help, students will be led in the right direction and the school district will reclaim its status as one of the best in the state.