What a shame that San Mateo board members continue to impede educational progress, refuse to provide the best options for all students, and remain unwilling uphold their duty as elected officials.

This is a disturbing insight into the board's flagrant disregard for the law, taken from the Palo Alto Daily News: "'It seems the law is irresponsible in saying to us that we are not supposed to consider the financial aspects in this overall picture,' said Jim Cannon." Is the law irresponsible, or are those who neglect their roles as stewards of it?

The 5 board members who voted against the charter should be ashamed. If seventh grade student Emma Kerr can see that their duty is to honor their own mission statement, why can't they? Our future leaders need all the help we as a community can give them. Those who neglect their roles as stewards are the irresponsible ones. These bright young students show more maturity than our elected officals.