Let’s be very clear. There is a need to consolidate some of the schools in the Selma City School system. Period.

The system is fighting through toughening economic conditions, adjusting to shifting student populations and preparing for further state funding cuts. There is no other course of action at this point than to examine the validity of each of the system’s schools.

But, when Superintendent of Education Donald Jefferson announced the proposed closures of the Phoenix School, the School of Discovery and Byrd School, there was an emotional outburst we are not too sure school leaders were expecting.

Even though there are a series of planned public forums to come in the next few months for school board members to hear the concerns of parents, students and residents, there was a advanced showing of what they could expect Thursday.

During the school board’s regular meeting — held oddly enough at Byrd Elementary School — the board did something that was very rare, when they added a public input section to the agenda; a courtesy they did not have to offer and should be commended for doing so.

Each of the six or so speakers who came forward asked board members to keep Byrd open, explore other closure options and to protect the school in Selma’s historic Old Town district.

The upcoming forums, which may begin in late January, should no doubt offer passionate comments and heart-felt requests.

In the end, like it or not, the board must make a tough decision that will upset many. That’s a fact.

It is our hope that such decisions are based on fact, not politics; on projected savings, not emotion; and are done so to allow the system to focus on its core mission of providing the best education for our children.