The Harrison County Board of Education seems to have made a good choice for its new superintendent. Pamela Sumpter-Cain has a lot going for her. She's a Lewis County native; she's been superintendent of Wirt County Schools for four years, and prior to that, she was a professor of education at Glenville State College. Being a native of West Virginia and having worked here in education for so many years, she would seem to have an extensive knowledge of how the system works and the challenges she faces.

Sumpter-Cain admits that Bob Kittle will be a tough act to follow: "While following a folk hero will be difficult," she said on Monday, " I am grateful I can follow in the footsteps of someone who has made the path easier."

Like so many of her peers, Sumpter-Cain will be faced with some serious problems in the coming years. The constant decline in enrollment will likely lead to a reduction in the teaching force. We hope it doesn't come to that, but economics may force her hand. In addition, the county board may have to follow through on recommendations that even more schools be consolidated.

Sumpter-Cain may have to make some difficult decisions very early on. Still, she comes in at a time when the Harrison County school system enjoys a great reputation. "I've listened to people from around the state who have said this would be a wonderful county to go to," she said.

The school system is much stronger now than it was when Bob Kittle took over 14 years ago. We have confidence that Sumpter-Cain will continue his good work. We wish her the very best.

Today's editorial is a reflection of the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin, Matt Harvey and J. Cecil Jarvis.