Next month’s bond election has a lot of Pearl River County School District residents talking. And that may be the best part about it.

The school district is holding an election on March 7 so residents can vote on whether they think paying $17 million to build new classrooms, a performing arts center, a central office and restroom/concession facilities is worth the tax bump.

Thursday night, a community meeting was held at the high school cafeteria where a large number of residents, students and grandparents showed to voice their concerns and support.

The meeting went quite smoothly, moderated by Superintendent Alan Lumpkin, who didn’t shy away from criticism or questions.

The students voicing their opinions was probably the second best aspect of the meeting.

These students will most likely graduate before the work is complete and won’t reap the benefits of this bond, if it’s approved.

However, as one student put it, their children will.

Lumpkin talked about the bond issue as an investment for the future students of this district, and for the future growth the area will see.

Yet, some residents raised concerns that the administration hasn’t thought through all of its options. Some suggested building another elementary school so students and parents wouldn’t have as long of a commute. Others questioned if $17 million would be enough to cover all of the district’s wants, not just its needs.

Regardless of which side of the debate you fall, it’s important that the community is coming out to consider this issue. Just as importantly, they are asking questions and should continue to do so.

It is our hope that the residents of the Pearl River County School District will choose to go out on March 7 and cast their vote based on an informed opinion of the facts.