There are a lot of good things going on in all of our schools, including the Selma City School System, but it’s also clear there’s work to be done. Selma High School and R.B. Hudson were two of the four local schools named to the failing school list, which was released Thursday.

The timing couldn’t have been more ironic.

Hours after the list came out, the school system met for its previously scheduled community challenge event, which laid out the strengths in the school system and the areas for growth.

The event, titled “Community Challenge: Our Children. Our Schools. Our Community,” was aimed at getting parents and community members more involved in the system’s day to day operations.

Superintendent Angela Mangum, pastor Jerry Light, Juanda Maxwell, Ann Murray, Jerria Martin and others spoke at the event, and they discussed a myriad of topics, including the recently released failing school list, ways to improve the community and needs the school system has.

They asked for volunteers during the afternoons when school is let out and for mentors to step up and help guide the way for students.

A lot of good steps were discussed Thursday, but the biggest overall takeaway was that many cared enough to spend hours of a weeknight trying to improve the school system. Selma High School’s lunchroom was so crowded that you would’ve thought Selma was playing Southside in basketball Thursday.

The point of the meeting was for Mangum and the Selma City School System to challenge the community to get more involved.

Based on the crowd, the community accepts that challenge.