Luckily, we have time. Our teachers and students will have the benefit of Burrell's 30-plus years in education through January of next year. That gives board members nine months to find their next leader. We urge them to initially advertise the superintendent's job at the state scale. There's ample time to revise that position if they're not happy with the quality of the applicants they receive.
Board members say they are committed to the idea of a salary supplement for teachers.
Eliminating a local supplement for the superintendent would give them an opportuntiy to prove they're serious and free up money that could go directly to teachers. We know that the superintendent is vital to the health of the school system. But there's no harm in looking for one on the way up rather than on the way out. The opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party.