When the going gets tough, the school board starts whining.(B SECTION)(Comment)(Column)

Byline: Eric Ernst

No one said being on the Charlotte County School Board would be easy.

Yet, most of the time it is. Board members visit schools. They talk to parents. They attend graduations. At meetings, they listen as district administrators expound on the latest plans. Once in a while they ask a question to show they're paying attention.

Generally, the superintendent tells them what to do, and they do it. If there's a vote, it's 5-0.

But, every so often, something shakes up this safe, orderly little world. An Alpha Center pops into the picture. A $4.4 million budget shortfall forces board members to evaluate what's important and…