That’s not to imply we had problems with the two outgoing members, Kelly Branigan and Betsy Del Giacco Jay. Branigan put in 12 years of dedicated service and Jay spent six years on the board.

We thank both for the time and energy they spent helping to improve our children’s educational experience and hope they’ll continue to contribute.

No, we’re glad to see the new candidates because of what it says about the community.

It’s no secret that some in Cooperstown, at times including this newspaper, have been quite vocal in criticizing select decisions of school officials.

For the past year or so, it seemed like every business meeting involved one or more district residents questioning the board’s decisions. From concerns over declining enrollment and a spiraling budget to the way information is disseminated to the public, the board just couldn’t seem to get out of the hot seat.

Despite all that and despite knowing they’re competing for two time-consuming and largely thankless jobs, three members of the community _ Paula Greene, Mary Leonard and Matthew Tabor _ stepped forward and are running for the spots.

Like most positions in local governments, the personal benefits are largely intangible and the work is far from easy. But it’s important and vital for a community to help shape the education experience its school provides, and serving on the school board is certainly a key way to do so.

We commend the three for stepping to the plate and look forward to learning more about them before the vote May 15.