We like Southampton County Public School Superintendent Dr. Alvera Parrish’s out-of-the-box thinking.

For the first time, the school district hosted a Holiday Gala for all of its employees. Not one red cent of taxpayer dollars funded the Friday night Christmas party at the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin.

A committee sought donations of food and cash to pay for the event, which couldn’t have come at a better time.

Tough budgetary times resulted in laying off six teachers and 32 additional employees for the 2012-13 school year.

It’s also been at least four years since teachers had raises, yet they are continually asked to do more with less.

The Holiday Gala committee went to places like Food Lion, Farm Fresh and Walmart to organize a party, which we hope all enjoyed.

Keep up the good work Dr. Parrish.