Too many choices can be a recipe for inaction.
Members of the Jefferson City Board of Education continue to face a range of choices about how and when to ask district voters to help alleviate overcrowding.
Those choices have been both clarified and complicated since voters rejected an April 2013 bond issue and tax levy increase to build replacement facilities for both the existing high school and East Elementary School.
The ensuing years have brought changes. Since the April 2013 vote, changes have occurred on the seven-member school board and the administration, including the 2015 arrival of Superintendent Larry Linthacum.
Now, discussion of a ballot issue has been revived and the work of a long-range facilities committee is being re-evaluated.
In a Sunday News Tribune story, the superintendent and board members offered some comments we believe are on target.
"Secondary is the most pressing" said Linthacum. Although he acknowledged space needs on the elementary level, we agree the high school is top priority.
Board member Steve Bruce said he now is convinced the best option is two high schools, renovation of the existing facility and construction of a second school. The need for two public high schools was vocalized by some critics of the 2003 issue.
"We'll never come up with a complete 100 percent consensus ," said board member Ken Theroff. "We want to know what they (district patrons) think, and we want to know what they'll support."
Board member Michael Couty said: "Before we talk about a bond issue, we've got to to have a clear plan "
A clear plan is a necessity. We also believe the plan must be as simple and focused as possible.
No single, reasonable bond issue is going address every district priority or problem.
The range of options must not result in paralysis. Instead, the choices must be seen as opportunities to make wise decisions and demonstrate leadership.