Many Adams County residents were upset earlier this year when the Natchez-Adams School District announced it would proceed with plans to build a new high school and renovate many existing buildings. Their energy should be focused on effecting a more permanent change — the manner in which we select representatives on the school board.

The district’s plans to proceed with the building project came despite voters having rejected a bond issue to fund the plan in a May 2017 special election. After that defeat, the district decided it would go ahead and fund the projects using different means — $9 million in limited tax notes and $25 million in a lease agreement.

The announcement prompted more than 450 residents to file objections to the school district’s plan, saying voters had rejected the initial proposal at the polls.

The challenge went to court earlier this summer and 17th Chancery Court District Judge Vincent Davis handed down his ruling last month, deciding the district’s plan is lawful, because the financial mechanisms proposed to be used by the district are statutorily different than the bonds defeated in the 2017 referendum.

Opponents have appealed the ruling to the Mississippi Supreme Court, as they should. That’s why we have courts, to decide the legality of such issues.

Apparently, however, the school board found a way to try to circumvent the popular vote of county residents and proceed with their plan to build a new high school and renovate buildings despite the vote against the original measure. It is a shame NASD decided to go against the will of the electorate, but they did, and we have no doubt board members believe they are doing what is best for the school district.

Perhaps their disregard for the will of the voters, however, can be traced to the fact NASD school board members are appointed rather than elected and, therefore, do not fear a rejection at the ballot box.

If petitioners really want to effect change in the school district, perhaps they should focus efforts and attention in persuading the state Legislature to change the NASD board positions to be selected by an election rather than appointment.