District 3 residents will enjoy an opportunity to meet with their representation on the Pitt County Board of Education tonight as those members host a question and answer session about upcoming issues involving public schools. The event intends to keep residents informed and provides them with the rare opportunity to express concerns directly to elected officials.

As the school board prepares for another redistricting effort in the coming months, this type of outreach could prove invaluable to ensuring the public remains an integral part of the process. Other members of that board should hold similar sessions to ensure that all voices are heard as the board takes action on contested and emotional issues.

Jill Camnitz and Marcy Romary have been capable, steady and accessible members of the school board for many years. Camnitz has served for 14 years, and served as chairman of the board from 2003-04. Romary won election in 2004, and has been a reliable contributor to that body in her six years of service.

Given that track record, it is little surprise that those two officials would actively seek ways to engage the public about the school board’s work. Pitt County Schools finds itself at a critical juncture as it prepares for the next round of redistricting in advance of the 2011-12 school year. It is crucial that the public’s input is welcomed and incorporated into that process, and there is no better way to do that than by inviting residents to share their concerns.

Five years ago, the school board began a difficult redistricting process in a similar fashion, holding listening sessions and public forums to collect views on how to create a workable student assignment plan. Unfortunately, the result of that effort was deeply flawed, and resulted in a sharply divided community. That included a vocal faction that wanted the school board to prioritize “community schools” — assigning students to those schools closest to their homes — rather than racial balance.

The scars of those battles are still raw and tender to the touch. The resentment remains. And the school board cannot afford to repeat those mistakes as it proceeds with this latest redistricting round.

Camnitz and Romary offer a sound example of how to avoid those pitfalls, by involving the public at the outset and keeping an open mind as they hear from their constituents. That should lead to better policy and a plan the public can support. Other members serving Pitt County on that board would do well to emulate their example.