We all just want to be heard.

It’s a fact of life, and it’s one the Natchez-Adams School Board has finally recognized.

For years the board has gone without a clearly defined period for public comments at its monthly board meetings.

Members of the public could get a spot on the agenda, if they jumped through the proper hoops early enough in the month, but it wasn’t necessarily public-friendly.

But in recent months — after much outcry over the state of the schools — the board realized the need for change. All the board members agreed to propose a public comments policy that would allow members of the community to simply stand up and speak during a set-aside portion of the meeting.

And last week the board adopted the policy on a trial basis. Up to five members of the community can speak at each meeting for three minutes apiece.

We understand the need for restrictions; otherwise the meetings might never end. But we are glad the board is working to make the public a part of the meetings.

Fixing problems in our public schools can’t be done with a snap of the fingers. But being heard and listening is a crucial step toward a common goal — quality public education.

We hope citizens will recognize that the board values their opinions enough to change policy. The public comment section of the meetings must be used wisely. Listing complaints and pointing fingers will get us nowhere.

Presenting concerns, offering ideas and listening with an open mind will take us far.