Our say: Board should end the uncertainty and retain Smith

WITH THE new school year under way, teachers and administrators should be focusing on getting back into the routine of educating this county's students. They don't need a disruptive diversion - which is exactly what they have in the debate over school Superintendent Eric Smith's contract. How can he lead if teachers, staff and parents aren't quite sure if he's a lame duck?

It is not good for school board members to linger over their decision on whether to renew Dr. Smith's four-year contract. By law, the board must decide by February. That's a lot of time - too much - for the board and Dr. Smith to choose whether to continue the...