Jamie Rosso's last school board meeting as a trustee will be next week. He lost his seat on the board by a handful of votes in last month's election, and it's time to say thank you for his unfailing service to the community.

Whether you agree or disagree with his positions on educational issues, Mr. Rosso has been and continues to be a class act. He has been extremely gracious in defeat - no different than when he was atop the ladder serving as the Gilroy Unified School District board president. One can question his positions, but not his commitment to the students in this district and to this community.

2. Significant academic progress has been made in the district

It's our strong sense, too, that as his tenure on the board lengthened his perspective broadened, though he always kept his focus on doing what he thought best for students.

Despite setbacks and mishaps here and there over the last eight years, the proof is in the pudding and in that Mr. Rosso should take substantial satisfaction. The district is on the right track, having made very significant and continuing academic gains. His tireless work for the November bond measure, has paid off. That's a remarkable grassroots effort that he played an unselfish role in and the passage is remarkable given the state of our economy.

Mr. Rosso didn't just represent the school district on the local level. When called upon, he took his passion a step further. His efforts, for example, resulted in a bill being introduced in the state legislature that would have bolstered the anemic impact fees school districts are allowed to charge home developers for building new facilities.

3. High regard for teachers and an ear to the ground on the issues

His ears were always to the ground on educational issues. His contacts were many, and his regard for teachers high, though he always understood that public education had to operate to a certain extent "like a business."

We're sure he will remain involved in the school district affairs in some new capacity. Passions tend to result in that.

To Mr. Rosso, we say simply, well done and thank you for your service.