There may be no more thankless job in all of Warren County than school board member.
Long hours and required reading that would make a law student turn to a career of manual labor are just part of it. In the case of this school district, so distinctly divided among political and regional agendas, the chances of being on the receiving end of plenty of criticism - some of it appearing in this space - are great.
These nine people do this without pay. Personal gain is not their goal.
This school board has seen lively debate over some extremely important issues that will affect the future of this county perhaps more than any others.
However, the board's recent selection process for a new superintendent has shown the earmarks of cooperation and collaboration which are both heartening and refreshing.
The board, acting as a unified body, worked dilligently and methodically to whittle down the list of applicants to three and then come to a consensus on the one person with whom to negotiate a contract. In the process they selected an ad hoc group representing many facets of the community, including those from both sides of the aforementioned debates, to take part in the interview process and offer their opinions on the candidates.
It was good work, and we applaud the school board for its acceptance of public input.
And, no matter how we stand on the issues this board tackles, we appreciate their hard work.