The year 2011 was not an easy one for members of the Selma City School Board. It looks as if the challenges of the past year will continue into 2012.

Until the issues regarding the superintendent’s seat are solved and put to rest, there will continue to be turmoil among members of the board, teachers, administrators and parents.

But, in the wake of these problems, one huge    asset is steadily making progress. Construction crews are more than halfway done with a new facility on the campus of Selma High School that would make students in much larger cities envious.

Through all of the problems, all of the arguments, and what seemingly has been stalled progress until the courts can step in, the high school has continued to rise.

By fall of 2012, all of the pieces will be in place and students will have a new look and new approach to high school.

The significance of a new building to an average student should not be undersold.

New is exciting for a teenager. That excitement will give them an opportunity to forget about the problems with the system and hopefully transition into the classroom.

The struggles of the system have not been lost on students. They talk about it in the hallways, at the dinner table and with friends. We often don’t give them enough credit for being aware of what is going on. But, make no mistake, they know.

August of 2012 will put Selma High School on par with any facility in the state for a school its size. For years, students have been walking the halls of a building that needed help. It’s hard to keep a positive attitude toward learning when your educational facility is falling apart.

Those who had the vision for the new high school building and made it possible should be commended for their efforts. The students need something new and exciting now more than ever. Let’s hope when the doors open it will lead to bigger and better things for everyone.