An uncommonly good and balanced article in The Charlotte Observer Thursday discusses an apparently level trend in private-school enrollment in North Carolina?s most populous county. While potential explanations are offered, including a statistical error, there is no clear ?spin? put on the numbers.

Maybe that?s because one of the sources tapped for the story was our own Karen Palasek, who properly counseled folks not to jump to conclusions about a short trend in a sector where students are moving in and out of various schools for various reasons.

Now, if only Karen?s level-headed and cautious nature would rub off on her husband. . .