The Selma City Schools Board of Education has decided to write a resolution asking for state monitoring of the school system to end.

Board member Frank Chestnut said after months of observing the system’s progress, he decided it was time to suggest they come out of monitoring.

Four out of five board members had to vote in favor of the decision to ask to come out of monitoring.

“We talked about it and the board unanimously agreed that it was time to move on. I made the motion because I feel like Superintendent [Angela] Mangum has been working well and doing a great job,” Chestnut said.

He mentioned Mangum’s drive to bring in new leaders and train everyone, including herself, as a sign of growth.

Chestnut said the system’s finances have also improved. However, the final decision to end monitoring will come from the Alabama Department of Education.

“Although I don’t think we will have any trouble being released, the state still has to vote to determine whether or not they will,” Chestnut said.

He said if the system is freed from monitoring, he believes it will be able to continue the progress.

Board president Henry Hicks Sr. did not attend the meeting Tuesday but said his vote would have not been in favor of writing a resolution to the state.

“I think we needed to be monitored a little while longer. My personal opinion is that there is still some growth this board needs to work on. But, the board has made a decision,” Hicks said.

He said if the state does decide to let the system out of monitoring, as the president he would make sure that all obligations are met.

“We’re going to try to do the best we can. We all took an oath to do what we are supposed to do as a board and represent the people,” Hicks said.

Board member Dr. Udo Ufomadu said he believes the board has improved through the monitoring and the system can now stand on its own.

“I strongly believe we are going in the right direction. It helped us in many areas and now it is time for us to move on,” Ufomadu said.