As the Dallas County Board of Education seeks to fill the superintendent position, we hope they look for someone who not just fills the requirements, but goes above and beyond to improve the system. Dr. Fannie McKenzie, along with school board members, has worked tirelessly to improve Dallas County Schools with often limited resources and funds.

And although the board has faced several obstacles, this is no excuse for them to not aspire for perfection in Dallas County Schools. Our children deserve a quality education, and we expect the board to hire someone who is willing to fulfill that need. With several schools listed as failing by the Alabama Board of Education, now is the time to buckle down and examine what our school system is doing wrong, and how it can improve. Now is the time to look for those who are willing to go the extra mile for Dallas County, and raise its standards.

All five candidates for the superintendent position come from within the Dallas County School System or Selma City Schools. We hope whoever is chosen, will take their existing passion for education and transfer it to a larger scale.

Whoever takes on this role has big shoes to fill, as McKenzie paved the way for a better school system. We are confident our board members will choose the most qualified and passionate candidate.