Being rejected by the N.C. Charter School Advisory Board came as a cold slap in the face to the people trying to start the Paul L. Dunbar Charter School in East Spencer. Now they’re talking about creating a private school instead. That is an option. But any time people propose something intended to bring about great change, they should count on the first response to be “no.”

If the Dunbar Charter School is really worthwhile, organizers can take the state board’s decision as a “not yet” and work on refining their plan. State funding is too valuable to give up after one try. That money could be a stabilizing force for a new school.

Among its many concerns, the state advisory board took issue with the fact that Kenneth Fox Muhammad El, the chairman of the Dunbar board, has a record. When he was mayor of East Spencer, he and other town officials pleaded guilty to crimes connected to a scheme to take money from a Winston-Salem businessman in return for awarding his companies town contracts from 2000 through 2001. Muhammad served his time, has earned a master’s degree and was appointed to the Rowan County Housing Authority. He obviously is working to be an involved and contributing member of the community.

The local group wants to stick with Muhammad, and that might be accepted if the state board did not also have reservations about the school’s management company, Torchlight Academy Services. The Dunbar group has to come up with a solid reason to go with Torchlight — its proven financial stability, a trend of student gains — or find another firm. So far the state advisory board seems focused on  the “F” given to Torchlight Academy under the new (and flawed) state accountability system.

The Dunbar group has the best of intentions, and rejection feels like an insult. They know, though, that it takes a lot more than a good heart to start and operate a school. Tough skin is essential. And, from comments made by state board members, it appears the Dunbar plan could use more financial and education-plan specifics. The Dunbar board could beef up its membership with more business people and former school administrators to advise in these areas. More time could also bring resolution to the facility question — ancient old school building (a potential money pit) or something else?

Regardless of whether the Dunbar board members re-apply for charter status or go private — or open a preschool, for that matter — they have taken up a cause most of the county hardly notices: the plight of East Spencer. Their vision and determination are already making a difference.