It appears calmer heads have prevailed. The rush to a proposed 3-mill tax vote within the Selma city limits has apparently ended and, if the clamoring for a tax increase has subsided, then we will be the first to say the correct decision has been made.

For the past few weeks, Selma Public School officials have raced to have a tax increase vote added to any ballot they could come across in an attempt to raise operational funds for the system.

But it is that need of operational funds that may have ultimately led to the downfall of this tax proposal long before any ballot was cast.

Initially, leaders said the additional funds generated by the tax would go to the construction of a new Selma High School, a project just about everyone would agree is needed.

But, earlier this week, that tune changed as school leaders said the more than $300,000 generated from the tax hike would go to operational expenses. It was then, combined with the fact the tax vote would have cost Dallas County an expected $30-40,000, that most of the opposition began to gather.

There are not many who will argue that our schools are not a crucial part of our community and our community’s future. But in light of the system’s recent audit, leadership changes at the top and the lack of a financial officer, the operational efficiency of the system is in serious doubt.

Those doubts were in no way calmed by the nearly frantic method in which school leaders attempted to put a tax vote on the ballot.

With this vote apparently out the of the way, school leaders should now look inward at ways to cut expenses, correct any inefficiencies and build back financial credibility with the taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill.