With only four characters and a twisty plot, Charlotte Observer columnist Jack Betts writes a short history of education governance in North Carolina.

There are only four characters in the story: Bill Harrison, June Atkinson, Bob Orr, and Howard Manning. As far as genre, the story does not fall into the category of drama, love, or action story – seems like a dramedy to me. Bill and June are not friends and never will be. Howard is not pleased with June. Bill is concerned about Howard and vice versa. Bob is friends with all three.