John Holley resigned last week, bringing an end to his second term with Marengo Academy and putting the cap on a career that totaled more than 30 years of service to the institution.

His impact on and contributions to the school are unmistakable. His departure is polarizing, drawing an emotional response from a number of individuals.

However, it is what the faculty, students and board members do next that matters now. For Marengo Academy to take a step forward, its constituents as a collective unit should recognize the positive contributions of Holley and build on them as they appreciate his service.

It is crucial for the school to look forward while not forsaking its heritage. The Academy has more than its share of good, intelligent individuals involved at all levels. Now is the time for those individuals to do what is necessary to advance the school. But no matter what direction the forthcoming administration takes Marengo Academy, it is imperative that it takes the opportunity to recognize the strengths of its predecessors while it distinguishes what works from what does not.

If future administrators fail to learn from the successes and failures of previous overseers, then they do great injustice to a school with a proud tradition.