Kevin Gilbert, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators, was joined by the superintendent of Meridian Public Schools and the state superintendent, in welcoming Meridian faculty and staff back for the new school year. The meeting also described the goals for the school year and ways to meet those goals.

"I have high expectations, not only from the staff, but also from the parents and the community," said new superintendent, Charlie Kent. "We're looking to make sure that the community, the parents, the students, and everybody work together so we can grow these children to be what we want them to be, so they will also be successful in life."

The goals include getting everyone involved in the education of children. Educators said they hope to work this year toward preparing students for the future, with new skills that can help them be competitive with other students, as well as ensure continued funding of the education system.

"It really doesn't matter what the question is. The answer is education," said state superintendent, Dr. Hank Bounds. "You want to talk about how to solve poverty in the state, what's the answer? If you want to figure out how to bring more economic development to Meridian or the rest of the state, what's the answer? You think of a question; the answer is education."

"I think we have a nuclear physicist in Meridian," said Kent. "I think we may have someone who will discover a cure for cancer in Meridian, but we have to cultivate them and grow them to that point so that they can reach that potential."

So what is the overall message being sent to educators?

"You guys are involved in the most important work here in the state of Mississippi. You are in charge of our greatest human resource: our children," said Gilbert, speaking to the group.

The Meridian Public School District starts the new year Aug. 18.