America is called a "melting pot" because of all the diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds that come together to form a whole.

And that whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Similarly, the Ironton School District has created its own "melting pot" with the Schools Facilities Steering Committee that will help determine the future of the district's school buildings.

So far, we like what is cooking. The Ironton Board of Education chose 28 people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

The list of people includes parents, business people, school faculty and staff and other residents in the community.

Each one of these individuals will bring their business, personal and community presence to the table and set down to figure out what plan will work.

Politics and personal agendas should never come into play when dealing with the future of the county's children, and we don't believe it will.

It is a good thing the district has put together such a great team because the group has a tall task in front of it: to choose to build new schools, remodel the existing ones or some combination of those two ideas.

The group will meet three times over the next few weeks but they should not be the only ones to speak up about the issue. A community forum will be May 28 to allow everyone a voice, something that will be vital since no plan will work unless voters support a tax levy in November.

We urge everyone to attend the forum or ask a committee member about the plans.

The process is not something that should be taken lightly. Funding for school renovations is fairly scarce. Our schools are one of the most outward signs of what our community has to offer. For residents, the public school system is an investment in the community's future. For visitors and potential business developers, the public schools are an outward sign of the quality of life a community offers.

Having 28 people take the lead is great but it will take each and every citizen of Ironton to make the dreams become reality.

We like the appetizer that came out of the "melting pot" but the focus now must shift to the main course - the future.