It’s almost been four months and still the dotted line remains blank on the 3-year contract drafted for Selma City School Superintendent Gerald Shirley. Shirley has been working as superintendent since October, but with no signed contract, although one was drafted in June.

As a community, we should care about this issue and want our superintendent to have an agreed length of time, which he or she is dedicated to service. Our school system needs leadership consistency, not an interim role.

The school board also has yet to sign off on several changes and amendments made to Shirley’s contract, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The fact that Shirley is operating on an interim basis leaves the school system in shaky hands.

This is an issue that cannot be swept under the rug. Education is the pillar of our community, and we need to make sure that it is in sound hands.

Shirley has proven thus far to be a good and able superintendent, so providing for this 3-year contract seems appropriate.

Securing the superintendent position would only benefit the community by bringing consistency and stability, and it would also allow the school system to focus on bigger and more important issues; the students.

The Selma City School Board has been through far too much uncertainty in the past few years. Shirley is an educator and administrator that has served the students and parents of Selma for many years. He is a solid figure, one that improvements and advancements can be built upon.

When the Selma City School Board convenes again for their October work session, the nuts and bolts of the deal should be worked out and at their October meeting, the board should make number one on their agenda approving the contract.

Our school system cannot go through another year like last year, another period of uncertainty at the top. By all accounts, we have a capable leader in Shirley and a man that deserves the security a 3-year contract provides.