After the Limestone County School Board’s attorney pointed out the board could not legally hire Superintendent Dr. Tom Sisk’s daughter because of the state’s nepotism law, her contract was rescinded at Tuesday’s meeting.

It proved to be yet another “What the heck is going on over there at the central office?” moment for teachers, parents and students who are concerned about the school system’s future. By the close of the meeting, which ended following a lengthy executive session, some were calling for the board to boot Sisk.

Those most in favor of Sisk’s departure are supporters of former Tanner Principal Louis Gordon, whose contract was not renewed at the board’s June 5 meeting.

That decision was at the same meeting the board approved hiring Sisk’s daughter. The nepotism law apparently escaped the board and Dr. Sisk. It was in the public’s best interest the board reconvened to correct the hiring decision.

Still, the credibility of the school system and its leaders remain.

Sisk previously claimed he didn’t know his daughter interviewed for the position, but also noted he stayed out of the hiring process. Both statements contradict each other.

The hiring and rescinding of its decision are the latest in the series of school system blunders, starting with April’s revelation it was facing a $2 million budget shortfall.

Then, there was the Gordon situation, which was shabbily handled from the outset at the press conference announcing Gordon had been placed on administrative leave.

From mid-March through early June, the Tanner community has been left guessing the reason behind the Gordon decision. We understand there was an ongoing investigation and confidential personnel information involved, but some details might have calmed any anxiety among students, staff members and parents.

There is still uncertainty if legal action by Gordon will be directed at the school board in the future.

What happens next for the school system is anyone’s guess. What is certain, however, is that credibility issues surrounding the school system need to be addressed soon.

The school board needs to step up and lead the system. The rubber-stamping of budgets, policy and hiring needs to stop. If board members are unwilling or unable to thoroughly investigate the business of the board, they might want to reconsider their positions.

Board members should also remember the superintendent works for them, not vice versa.

The superintendent may offer suggestions, but the buck stops with the board. That being said, the board is just as responsible — if not more so — than Sisk for the continued missteps.

We want Limestone County Schools to succeed; we do not want Sisk or the board to fail. If the school system’s leadership succeeds, the schools succeed. If the schools succeed, the students succeed. If the students succeed, our community succeeds.

Limestone County is on the brink of unprecedented growth. Toyota and Mazda are coming along with many distributors and spin-off companies. All of these entities will need qualified young people, and Limestone County Schools has outstanding educators to teach and motivate the next generation of workers.

Despite the school system’s current pitfalls, there are plenty of positives within the classrooms, including a technical education program that is second to none and will continue to grow and flourish if Sisk and board members can steady the ship.

The task will not be easy, but it can be done if the right questions are asked. Decisions should be made in the best interest of the students and staff, and all board actions should be done in a transparent environment.

We hope Sisk and the board are up to the challenge and come together for a better tomorrow – the fate of our children and community are counting on their success.