Slowly but surely, it seems the troublesome accounts of the last year involving the Selma City School System might thankfully be coming to an end. Well, they appear to be ending.

This week, we learned hearings for three suspended Selma City School administrators have been set for early June. Superintendent of Education Gerald Shirley, curriculum coordinator Wanda McCall and system testing coordinator Mamie Solomon were all suspended in mid-February and are now appealing a recommendation they be terminated.

When the state moved in and took over the Selma City School System, it was a decision nearly everyone saw coming and one that everyone had resigned to the fact that it was needed.

The leadership displayed by school leaders — from the members of the Selma City School Board all the way to some teachers and principals — in response to system-wide problems last year was by all accounts pitiful. Thus, the Alabama Department of Education, following a vote by the State Board of Education, took over the Selma system, and shortly after suspended these three administrators.

Recently, the head of the state-led intervention team overseeing the system, recommended to State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice each of the suspended administrators be fired.

Now, the three have a chance to defend themselves and show why they should not lose their jobs.

The rest of the fallout from last April’s arrest of a teacher for sexual misconduct, reported altered test scores and so much more, has also been found in the retirement of two other school personnel and the arrest and conviction of the arrest teacher. And, it’s fully expected there will more fallout the longer the state is in charge.

But, we can honestly say the overall impression of the Selma City School System is far improved since the state took charge in early February. Decisions are being made, problems are being solved and there appears to be a clear direction for the system’s future; things drastically lacking in recent years.

While these administrators will have the chance to defend themselves and fight for their jobs, we must make sure the rest of the system is not painted with a broad brush.

Those who were criticized and may ultimately be held responsible for the system’s failings, are the exception and not the rule. Those who care for our children, teach our children and hope for our children’s best, far outnumber those who fail to do so.

This two-year intervention is a chance for the Selma City School System to start over, get things back to the way they should be and build for a far better future.

So far, it’s off to a solid start and we can only imagine the positive results that should result from their work.