The Selma City School Board is trying with all of its might to find the school system’s next superintendent and they want the public’s input, but sadly they are having a tough time getting it.

The Alabama Association of School Boards held a stakeholder’s meeting last month and only about 35 community members showed up.

If there’s anything those in the Selma community are most vocal about, it’s our schools and in particular the Selma City School System, which has had its share of controversies over the years. The parents of students in the school system have had every right to criticize and want the best for their students.

The state takeover team has done a tremendous job with the school but now needs to find the leadership that will move the school system forward once they are gone. During this vital transition period, parents should be more vocal than ever.

We honestly don’t understand why many of those who have been so boisterous over the last few years about the problems in the school system aren’t standing up now. The board and AASB are trying to be as transparent during this process as possible and we applaud them for that, but they also need the public’s input.

The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5 and again the AASB and board of education and actively seeking the opinions of those in the community. A new leader will soon be in charge of the Selma City School System. The time to speak up about what qualities you’d like to see in the next leader of Selma City Schools is now.