The Natchez-Adams School Board is studying the right notes, but it’s too early to predict whether or not they may pass the test.

Few in Natchez who have ever paused to look at our public school facilities would say they are ideal. The district certainly needs a few new buildings in which to educate our children. And after those are built, they probably need a few more.

But construction on a school building is very costly, and too many Natchez taxpayers lack true connections to the public school district. Community-wide support for a tax increase that would fund new schools is probably going to be difficult to come by.

That’s where the board’s study habits must come into play.

Board members recently discussed cuts and changes to the district’s hefty personnel budget. The board is reportedly looking at salaries across the district and considering a reorganization of grades that could reduce the needed number of personnel.

Both plans are great ideas, great first steps.

Before many Natchez taxpayers will support a plan to fund construction of new buildings, they want to see — and be convinced — that the district has done everything it can to cut expenses. With a high cost-per-pupil and high administrative salaries, the community doesn’t yet believe all the needed cuts have been made.

Through diligence and openness with the public, the school board can change that opinion.

Then, and only then, will the community be ready to talk about new buildings on their dime.

It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Our children are our future, and few will argue with that.