We are glad to see the Newton Board of Education has narrowed its choice to replace Dr. Gary Mathews.
Mathews will retire at the end of the school year.

Mathews, who took over a failing school system three years ago, has turned that image around to reflect a positive increase of confidence in our local system. He is going to be missed.

As far as we are concerned, one of the major reasons for that success is Mathews’ total transparency both in private and public discussions.

Our editorial board met with him on his arrival and he promised he would always conduct the schools’ business in this manner.

He has kept his word.

All three of the candidates on paper have fine credentials, and we have no doubt they are smart enough to lead our community’s children into the future.

We would ask the BOE to ensure whomever is selected is someone who can follow Dr. Mathews’ lead on being transparent and honest. The tax payers of Newton County deserve nothing less.