Emotions were high at Buchanan Middle School Monday evening, and the energy has not dissipated in days following a controversial decision to extend the superintendent’s contract in spite of concerns from district staff.

Moments after hearing from representatives from the teacher’s union and the community expressing frustration with the direction the district is headed under its current leadership, the board unanimously agreed to renew the superintendent’s contract for three more years.

While we are not in a position to judge whether or not Timothy Donahue is the right fit for superintendent, we believe strongly in the responsibility the board of education has to taxpaying citizens, and ultimately to the educators employed by the district. After Monday’s meeting, the Buchanan board needs to take a hard look at the impression it is making on parents and educators by apparently neglecting their concerns.

Teachers are the boots on the ground in any school district, and while no leader will pacify every educator all the time, the overwhelming attendance and high emotions are proof that important individuals are unhappy with how they and their peers are being treated.

Buchanan Community Schools have seen much success in recent years, with the launch of the Buchanan Promise guaranteeing scholarships to all students who live in and attend Buchanan Schools. The district’s teachers are often recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty, and recent Buchanan graduates have gone on to make a splash in southwest Michigan and beyond.

These successes are a direct result of the hard work of educators, students, faculty and community members. The passion Buchanan Bucks have for their school and community rivals other communities so much that the district has been recognized repeatedly for its school spirit with statewide awards.

These people clearly care about their school district, and their voices deserve to be heard. Action needs to be taken to ensure that the future of Buchanan Community Schools is as bright as its past.

With a decision already behind them, the real work begins now as the school board and superintendent work to heal the divide and plot a course moving forward.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.