CHARLESTON BOARD LISTENS -- AND ACTS

It's easy for officials to make a stand and stick by it -- even in the face of a public outcry. Most government bureaucrats simply dig their heels in deeper. They won't even listen to the dissent, much less budget even an inch. The harder path is to stop, re-evaluate a decision and perhaps even reconsider.

Such was the case in Charleston last week. The high school principal's contract was not renewed by a split vote in February. The main reason given was the fact Joe Forrest didn't communicate well with the faculty.

But more than 50 faculty members and others disputed that claim as they spoke at last week's board meeting. The board acquiesced and reinstated the principal.

The ability to revisit decisions by government demonstrates flexibility and a sensitivity to the people they serve. Teachers, patrons and students spoke, and the Charleston Board of Education listened. That's true democracy in action.