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Make the process open

Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:43 PM EDT

The Halifax County Schools Board of Education faces a monumental task — choosing a new superintendent.

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The choice will go far in dictating the future success of the district and the education of hundreds of our children.

The beleaguered school district is under the watchful eye of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction during this process.

The district got off on the right foot, seeking the advice of students, teachers, staff, parents and the public on what attributes a new superintendent must have. Sadly, only 150 people responded to the board’s invitation.

This is especially frustrating given the number of people who were more than willing to complain about the former superintendent and the school board. Where are all these people in this process?

We understand the board will now interview the aspirants in private, but we suggest they follow the lead of the Halifax Community College board.

The HCC board selected its finalists and then invited the public to meet them and talk with them, then offer their advice. It worked out extremely well with the selection of Dr. Ervin Griffin Sr.

Halifax County Schools needs to make this process as open as possible and shake off the old bureaucratic and political tendencies toward secrecy. We urge the board to remember they are elected to represent the people and should involve the people in their decision-making process.

The choice of superintendent is crucial to our children’s future. It is a responsibility we should all, and must, share.

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