Editorial: School Board looks for new leader

The Van Buren Public Schools Board of Education interviewed three candidates for superintendent on Tuesday and were set for two more interviews on Wednesday. That same night they may choose the one they want. (Past our deadline.)
All of the candidates on Tuesday were aware of the chaos within the district. No one mentioned the new law suit by Savage teachers, but each of Tuesday’s candidates mentioned the healing that needed to be done within the district.
The Tuesday candidates all were ready to help VBPS get back to being a respected district and to win back the 2,500 students who have fled to other districts.
All three of Tuesday’s candidates were appropriate choices. One was a Rotarian ready to get his hair cut in Belleville and be involved in local projects. Another was very experienced in several districts and ready to move to town. The female candidate considers moving to Belleville from Fenton, an hour’s drive away. She also was full of energy and plans for the district.
What a breath of fresh air: Candidates who want to be part of the Belleville community, to live here and intermingle with parents, grandparents and other taxpayers. Let’s hope this ill-fated school board makes the right decision for a new leader for this district. It’s going to take a long time for the scars to heal here, but some of the problem people are jumping ship, so that should help.