The Oxford School District is slowing down on its plans to raise money for new facilities with a bond referendum.

And that’s a good thing.

There’s no question that new facilities are needed for elementary students. Oxford Elementary is pushed to accommodate more first- and second-grade students.

But a $23 million bond referendum should not be rushed with little information.

This community is committed to education unlike any other in the country. But, we need complete information, like what we are paying for and where it will be built and when.

It is easier to pass a $23 million bond referendum with a school site selection and conceptual drawings, after all.

Additionally, the school system may have other needs that need to be addressed in the referendum.

The Oxford School Board and Superintendent Bryan Harvey are commended for pausing to develop plans fully so that Oxford voters can be completely informed when the time comes to vote on the bond referendum.

Several more months of effective planning and information sharing could make a big difference in how the community responds.