The Natchez-Adams School Board has made its final decision regarding Superintendent Anthony Morris, and we hope the board is focused, now, on the next step.

Morris can still appeal to the chancery court, but at this point the school board would be wise to review and finalize an updated plan outlining just what kind of superintendent they seek.

A list of needed qualifications and experience is a must, but if the board hasn’t already identified other traits they seek in a leader, now is the time.

And there’s no reason the public cannot participate in that process.

Hiring a superintendent is arguably the most important job in our community.

The five-member school board must make a decision that will — in large part — determine whether our community reaches its full potential or not.

We hope they won’t take the decision lightly, and we hope the backgrounds, successes and failures of any candidates are thoroughly explored.

No magic man or woman out there can come in and turn a school district around in a year, or even two.

But a strong leader with innovative ideas can make decisions that show steady progress.

Our public schools are the heart of our community. If they succeed, so does Natchez.

The same rings true in failure.