A prudent hire, but ...

THE UNIFIED SCHOOL SYSTEM made a wise move when it hired a Nashville -based lobbyist to monitor activity during this year’s state legislative session.

The possibility that legislation could be introduced that could impact the ongoing process of merging Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools by the 2013-14 school year made the hiring a prudent move.

Tony Thompson’s eyes and ears will be important in keeping school administrators and members of the unified school board abreast of any issues in Nashville that may affect education locally and statewide.

MCS Supt. Kriner Cash and SCS Supt. John Aitken signed the $75,000, one -year contract with Thompson on Dec. 15.

The contract with Thompson was handled per SCS policy, where such matters can be handled administratively; not so under MCS rules. That has been a point of discussion during merger talks.

In the big picture, $75,000 is not out of line for what Thompson will do.

But, as everyone directly involved in administering and governing the schools works toward consensus on the merger, perhaps it would be wise to — in the future — bring these types of contracts before the board for discussion.

Members of The Commercial Appeal’s editorial board are Chris Peck, S uzanne Kerr and Jerome Wright. The editorial board’s citizen members are Amy M. Doville, Joann Massey, Jim Mcgehee and Frank A. Thomas. Contact the editorial board at (901) 529-2319.