Editorials

To steal the words of Anniston City Schools Superintendent Joan Frazier, it was "a good beginning." Now the quest is to make sure it's not an abnormality.

Tuesday night's public question-and-answer session with the Anniston Board of Education could be seen as a positive, well-intentioned effort. Discourse and openness between school boards and parents are vital to the health of school systems. And if ever there's a school system that needs constructive dialogue and involvement between a board and parents, it's Anniston's. Open doors, don't close them.

So kudos for Tuesday's effort. Let's hold Frazier to her word that she's in favor of more Q-and-A sessions.

There's but one problem. Few parents showed up.

Historically, discussion of Anniston City Schools splatters criticism across the face of many in this town. The title-holders — board members and principals and superintendents — often, and rightfully, bear a lion's share of that criticism. But those without titles — the parents — must assume their responsibility, as well.

They have the most at stake in the process, the education of their children. They must be involved. Apathy is a school system's cancer.

In truth, one lightly attended Q-and-A session does not make a trend. Over-reaction isn't needed. But in the spirit of community and openness, let's expect the board's next session to be overrun by Anniston parents interested in their children's school and willing to invest the time to learn more about it.

A good beginning? Yes, Joan Frazier was correct. But think about how good the next session could be.