Concerns about high dropout rates and low test scores for students of color have leaders in Red Wing's black community looking for solutions.

A panel met Thursday to discuss the issue, said the Red Wing Republican Eagle.

About 27 percent of Red Wing's black students proved proficient in math in 2007-08. That's compared to 66 percent of the district's white students, according to state data.

"There is a deficiency," said Red Wing High School social worker Skip Black, a panelist.

"I honestly feel that there can be a change," organizer LaVergne Dickerson told the group of about 40. "Don't lose hope. We can do this with a little bit of commitment."

She called on community members to share their talents and time in hopes of closing the achievement gap between Red Wing's black and white students.

Some parents -- black and white -- cited discrimination as part of the problem.

"I feel like this is Mississippi, but an undercover Mississippi," said one parent who'd come from Chicago.