The court was deciding between the opinions of one group of scientists as opposed to others. As to the board, no doubt that some of them did not “get” what was at issue. The court seems to have ruled against the board in part because religious rhetoric terms were used. But if board members were confused, it is because the law is confused.
The court was deciding the scope of the definition of science as exists in the modern world. Even Michael Behe, the ID scientist testifying, had to admit that under their definition of science required to include ID, it would also have to include astrology.
As to the board, no doubt that some of them did not “get” what was at issue.
They absolutely didn't get the message. The religious motivation is never supposed to be stated so that this can be taught as an ostensibly non-religious theory. Everybody knows it's religious, but as long as you don't actually say it is, then it has a chance of getting through the courts. But they blew it and admitted the religious motivation. That's when the DI pulled out.