Warren County School District officials have taken the right first step in choosing to close Sheffield and Youngsville high schools.

But it’s only the first step – and getting off on the right foot doesn’t mean much if the district takes the wrong steps from here on out. A petition drive by Youngsville residents shouldn’t necessarily cause a reevaluation of the district’s decision, but it does show a need for more public outreach beyond letters and postings on the district’s website.

One of the consistent complaints throughout the closure process is a feeling by many that their voices haven’t been heard. We admit that it’s hard to make people feel heard when they don’t end up getting what they asked for in the end – in this case, keeping two small schools open in the face of rising costs and decreasing educational opportunity. And, we can understand Warren County School District not wanting to run into a hornet’s nest for months on end if it’s not necessary.

In our opinion, it’s necessary. The decision to close schools has been made. After years of kicking the can down the road, the road came to an end. Now it’s time to do what is necessary to reassure those with concerns that their child will end up in a better place through a difficult process.

Face-to-face community outreach is going to be necessary to begin to heal the wounds felt by many in our county in the wake of the closure of Sheffield and Youngsville – particularly Youngsville. Rather than relying on impersonal communication, the district needs to communicate in person with concerned residents as things like bus routes and class offerings are available.

People need to hear, not read, how the district is working to ease the transition for students whose school has closed.

This type of communication isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. The bandage has been ripped off. It’s time to apply some salve to heal the wound.