A nice moment amid the budgetary bloodletting at the Santa Rosa School Board meeting last night?

Santa Rosa High Senior Isabel Love pulled off an act of bravery rarely seen at a public microphone.

She apologized.

Love just two weeks ago sent the packed chambers atwitter with her vitriolic criticism of the board and district’s decisions on budget cuts, earning her a rare public rebuke that night from at least one board member.

Last night Love was back at the mic.

She apologized – not for her feelings, but for her delivery.

Love said her remarks on Jan. 27 were “angry and accusatory.”

“It’s hard to describe the feeling of powerlessness,” she said of watching class sizes increase, funds for supplies diminish and programs slashed.

“I’m sorry that my anger came out in such a disheartening manner in the last speech,” she said.

Board President Bill Carle made a rare move and addressed Love directly.

“I wish more people had that passion,” he said. “It’s a good thing.”

He said he expects big things from Love.

“I expect to read your name in the newspaper as someone who cares,” he said. “Personally, it gives me a lot of hope.”