Public service is a necessary function of democracy, but for various reasons it has become increasingly hard to find folks to stand for office.

It entails personal sacrifice of one’s time and energy involved, and you have to have a thick skin to deal with the constant questioning and criticism that comes with doing the business of the public. It just doesn’t seem to be worth the effort these days for many folks.

Some good people still stand for office, though. The Newton County School System said its goodbyes on Tuesday to three of them, outgoing members of the Board of Education.

District 3 Representative Cathy Dobbs had served two terms.

Johnny Smith had served District 1 for one full term and a half term following the death of Richard Tiede.

And District 5 representative Greg Proffitt was honored for his time on the board, filling in after Dr. C.C. Bates left the seat in June.

They were unafraid to serve the community in tough economic times and were willing to keep the best interests of our children at heart.

We wish each of them well as they leave the board, and thank them for taking on what are often thankless roles.