Our hats are off to the Mayer School Board for putting aside individual differences for the good of the students.

County Schools Supt. Paul Street gave the board an ultimatum last month when he told them they would have to unanimously decide on a new member or face a costly special election. The board members took the admonition to heart and saved the community a lot of headaches and thousands of dollars.

The board arrived at a unanimous decision on a fifth member at its last meeting and chose Carol Ernst.

Their decision is a perfect example of people agreeing to disagree. No one can expect all the members to agree on every issue all the time, however, the board showed its strength and determination by uniting when it was necessary and important.

Their ability to work for consensus and avoid a costly special election is testament to their commitment to a better school system and a better community.

The students deserve the best the district can offer and with this decision the board is moving to see they get it. The students, parents and teachers deserve a board that functions as a unit and doesn't fragment at the slightest hurdle.

We believe Carol Ernst will make a fine addition to the team already in place. Her experience and drive will only enhance an already diverse body.

If the board can continue to work for progress and not let extraneous problems get in the way of student welfare, the Mayer school system will grow and flourish.