With or without the passage of Amendment One, the far-reaching tax reform package slated for a Sept. 9 vote, our schools face some tough times in the days and months ahead. Adequate funding remains a constant battle. Meeting new and tougher testing guidelines presents different challenges.

It is comforting to note even as our schools prepare to face those tough times that we have capable and dedicated people to meet the challenges ahead.

Dr. James Carter, superintendent of Selma City Schools, was recently elected president of the Alabama Association of School Administrators. It is indeed an honor to be recognized by one’s peers as outstanding in one’s chosen field of endeavor.

Carter has been at the helm of Selma City Schools for 13 years now. But he has been in education in the Selma area for more than 34 years &045;&045; first with Dallas County Schools and later with the city school system. The importance of having experienced leadership at a time like this cannot be overstated.

Carter knows Selma and its people and, as evidenced by the recent vote of confidence from his peers, he knows the business of education, as well. If he is to guide our schools through the troubled times ahead, he must have the confidence of the people and the knowledge to obtain the best from his staff and students.

We are often too quick to point out shortcomings and too slow to acknowledge genuine achievement in those who serve the common good. We wish to make amends here, at least briefly.

There is much about public education policies with which we could &045;&045; and do, from time to time &045;&045; quibble. But let us also take note that there is much about our schools that is right.

Carter’s is not an easy position. But let us get perfectly clear on this much: Improving education in Selma City Schools is not his job alone; we all share the responsibility for helping to improve our schools.

We applaud Carter on his recent honor even as we roll up our sleeves to help.