The Cape Girardeau Board of Education is reconsidering its policy that school buildings can only be named for people dead at least three years. Thanks for listening. The board deserves credit for responding to the community, staff and faculty on this issue.

After all, it's not often that the district has the opportunity to name a new building. The new elementary school under construction near the intersection of Sprigg and Bertling is the first new school building in more than 30 years. The names of all who have influenced the district -- living or dead -- should be considered in the process. Besides, the district has a rich history of naming buildings after living local heroes of education.

Earlier this week, the board suspended action by an 11-member school-naming committee until a new policy can be drafted. Board members will consider the revision at its Nov. 16 meeting.

Good leadership goes beyond offering such excuses as "this is the way things have always been done." First-rate leaders are always looking at ways to make things better. The Cape Girardeau Board of Education deserves a pat on the back for re-evaluating this arbitrary policy.