The Moore County Board of Education, five of whose eight members are either former school personnel or married to system employees, needs to tilt further toward community representation.

Fortunately, our community has four well-qualified and well-informed candidates for two contested school board seats. We're confident that any, if elected, will serve with distinction and bring a breath of fresh outside air to the board. In fact, we'd like to see the two losing candidates run for the at-large seats in the next election.

Despite its members' entanglements, the current board has done well to stay out of Superintendent Susan Purser's way and let her get on with the business of restoring calm to the frayed system in the wake of former Superintendent Pat Russo's departure.

For District 2, The Pilot endorses incumbent Kathy Farren. Though her opponent, Ed Dennison, is able and knowledgeable and would also make a good board member, Farren has served the community well during her first term and has earned the right to return to Carthage. Though we think she's on the wrong side in the debate over the International Baccalaureate program, Farren is an independent-minded and conscientious board member who isn't afraid to cross swords with her colleagues.

The District 4 race features two political newcomers. Again, both have the skills needed to serve effectively. On balance, we prefer Laura Kite, a CPA who heads the Sandhills Childrens Center board, over Enola Lineberger, a congenial and committed volunteer for the schools who is on the "right" side in the IB debate. But the system would be well served by either candidate, and we hope the future will give both a chance to serve.