This week, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion regarding compensation of City of Selma Board of Education members.

The opinion cites

a conflict between a local act and a general state law concerning the issue.

There was opposition raised when the school board voted for the $600 a month compensation. Three of the board members – David Hagood, Dr. Anne Fitts and Dr. Kirit Chapatwala – declined the stipend.

To the school board’s credit, they are now taking appropriate action to ensure they are in compliance with the Attorney General’s Office opinion.

Board Chairman Ben Givan said all compensation paid so far will be refunded, and no further compensation will be paid until the matter is resolved.

Whether or not the board should have ever voted for the compensation is not the point at this time.

Not every government body in the city would have been so quick to return compensation that has already been paid.

Some would fight it, using taxpayers’ money and time to do so.

We credit the school board and its president with taking steps quickly once the opinion was issued.