Joe Scott's widow, Patsy, is a sentimental choice to replace him on the Richmond County Board of Education Nov. 3. And she's a lovely lady.

But sentiment is all about looking backward. When we look forward, to the future of Richmond County education, we see Aishia Leverett.

The exceedingly bright and well-spoken 32-year-old clinical counselor embodies everything we need in fresh, exciting leadership.

Fact is, she's already working to improve education in the county: Leverett has taught a "Pathways" leadership development program to students at the county's alternative school and teaches every month with Augusta Community Education Emphasis, a group for students at risk of not graduating.

Her top goal should be everyone's: reducing the county's dropout rate, which is among the worst in the nation.

She describes herself as a person of logic -- which would be a nice addition in itself. Perhaps that rational mind leads to what we like best about Ms. Leverett: her impeccable, elegant temperament. There won't be any silly shenanigans coming from her seat on the board -- which, again, will be a departure from so many elected positions here.

Another of her priorities is to make sure parents are aware of all the services out there to help them.

It's an incredible treat to meet such a promising young candidate like Aishia Leverett -- and we struggle to find the words to communicate just how excited we are about her.

We hope that means s omething to voters in school District 5, and that they will elect Aishia Leverett -- for the future of education in Richmond County.