In Franklin, the search for a new school superintendent has begun. On Tuesday, a representative from the Virginia School Boards Association briefed the Franklin City School Board on recommended actions and timelines to help facilitate a smoother and more productive candidate search. Among the many recommendations, it was strongly urged that the board seek community input before making a selection. And so they shall.

The school board has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in city council chambers for the purpose of hearing citizen input regarding the desired qualifications for the new superintendent. This is not intended to be a gripe session to air old grievances, but a constructive time where citizens get to be involved in the search process. Referring to the seriousness of the public hearing, school board member Will Councill put it; “I’ve got time to listen to a hundred people if they want to share their thoughts.”

We hope readers take him up on it.

The school board has also made available an online survey through which citizens can provide their input. The link to the survey is www.surveymonkey.com/s/FranklinCitySupt

The survey will be available until the start of the public hearing next week, and is a simple and convenient method for voicing your opinion. To not take advantage of the opportunity would be inexcusable.

For several years, stakeholders in Franklin’s schools have been crying for a change in leadership and to have a voice in the process. The opportunity to have that voice has been made available, but as the preacher man says, speak now – or forever hold your peace.