The Richmond School Board finally did the commendable thing last week and approved a contract for the Patrick Henry charter school.

The vote did not come without drama (how could it?). Third District representative Carol Wolf insisted on out-of-the-blue amendments requiring a three-year diversity plan for the school (which passed) and automatic admission for the children of its founders (which didn't).

Even more bizarrely, Joan Mimms, Chandra Smith, and Evette Wilson sat out the vote and the discussion, alleging the board had violated its own procedures in the handling of the school's application. All three board members have opposed the charter school, on a variety of pretexts. The stunt they pulled last Monday night reminded former Richmond residents why they moved.

The Patrick Henry Initiative's members can proceed with their plans for the school, at least for a while. In roughly three weeks the composition of the School Board could change enough to tilt it against the initiative. The board retains considerable oversight, as it should, and could yank the charter for reasons defensible or in-.

The school's backers now are obliged to deliver on the promises they have made -- to make the school a center of excellence open to all. They will have to do better than other city schools are asked to, with less support, and probably in the face of institutional hostility. Critics will be on the balls of their feet, ready to pounce on the first mistake.

The struggle to win charter approval was an arduous one -- but the hard work has really just begun.