At its Tuesday, Aug. 27 meeting the Caddo School Board was briefed on six finalists for the Caddo School superintendent selected by a headhunter firm.

 The twelve board members then rated each of the six candidates. The only local candidate, Keith Burton, had a score that was twice that of the other highest candidate.

 The Board then voted to only proceed with the hiring of Burton. The vote was 8-4, with six Republicans and 2 Democrats supporting the decision.

 Burton is a known quantity and a lifelong Caddo resident. His credentials were the reason for his high score by the Board members.

 The eight who voted to only proceed with Burton are to be commended on their decision. There is no doubt that Burton would have ultimately been selected if the Board had gone through a drawn out process interviewing several candidates.

 This vote will expedite the hiring of Caddo's next school superintendent. It will save the school board money, and it provides more flexibility in negotiating a contract with Burton. There will be no need to consider relocation pay to move here or if he was hired and then fired.

 The Caddo School system has many, many challenges. Hiring Burton reduces if not eliminates a learning curb for the superintendent's job. It’s time for the entire Board and the community to get behind Burton and assist him in turning around the Caddo schools.