As you find your way through the meeting schedule of Selma over the next few months you are bound to hear one variation or another of the following statement, “this is the right thing to do. I’m not voting this way because of politics. It’s just the right thing to do.”

And as you hear one of the many versions of that statement please accept this as a complimentary translation, “I know this vote could be seen as political. In fact, it is political, but I want to throw everyone off by saying it isn’t political, even though it is.”

A prime example of this statement being put to good use came during the Selma City School Board’s work session Tuesday evening. That “it’s not political” statement was said roughly 436 times and each time, the attempt at obscuring what has become a hotly political body, grew weaker.

But, through all the “stuff” that took place during the work session, one very political and touchy subject was brought up and it was a subject some might have seen coming, but one everyone knew was going to take place at some point.

As the new Selma High School enters the final few weeks and months of construction, one of the finishing touches of the building is in the planning stages. Just as with nearly every other building built with municipal and taxpayer funds, there is traditionally a plaque placed in the building, documenting who was part of the leadership team that made such a building possible.

In the case of Selma High School, a plaque would very likely include the contractor, architect and engineering firm who combined to build and design the school. The plaque would also include the important dates of the building’s history, such as groundbreaking or grand opening. And, the plaque would also include the members of the school board and then — and here’s the kicker — the superintendent of education.

That’s where the problem comes in and where the heated discussion that ensued Tuesday evening came from.

At the time of the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, the superintendent of education was Dr. Donald Jefferson. Last October, Jefferson was ousted as superintendent and an interim, Gerald Shirley, was installed. And, there is really no telling who might be superintendent when the new school’s doors actually open.

So who do you put on the plaque as superintendent? Do you put Jefferson on the plaque since he helped turn the dirt or do you put Shirley — or the next superintendent on the plaque — as they will be the one in office when the school opens?

What about former superintendent of education Dr. James Carter who many credit with beginning the discussion of a new high school? What about Dr. Austin Obasahan who started the process of getting the funding?

The answer might very well be something many would consider “out of the box” or trendsetting.

How about not mentioning any of the elected or appointed officials of the Selma City School Board? What about simply celebrating the men and women who turned the dirt, laid the bricks and painted the walls? How about celebrating the taxpayers of the city of Selma, who’s hard earned money have gone — and will continue to pay for the educational system in Selma.

If the board decides to do the same old thing, they will end up making a mistake. They will add fuel to an already enraged political fire and it is not necessary.

When it comes right down to it, we should all be excited about the opening of the new Selma High School and not be worried about who gets the credit. That would actually be a decision that was the right thing to do, not the political thing to do.