Bradley, Gonzalez, O'Mara and Reese in District 26 school board

The choices facing the voters in the race for the River Trails Elementary District 26 school board are difficult. Six candidates are running for four seats and we find each to be qualified.

This is a generally well-run school district, which manages its money better than most while focusing on quality education. The district's overwhelming challenge lies in the disparity in academic achievement between Euclid School and Indian Grove School. In particular, what can be done to improve the test scores of large numbers of students who enter the district with minimal English language skills?

We like all six candidates, but we think the best combination to continue District 26's improvement are incumbents Jeffrey Bradley, Steven O'Mara and Rebecca Reese and educator Marianela Gonzalez. We endorse their bids.

Of the group, Bradley is the most controversial. He can be cantankerous. We urge him to develop a better working relationship with colleagues. By the same token, we think he provides an alternate perspective that is valuable for the board.

Reese and O'Mara are easy choices. Both have been leaders on the board and we're confident they will continue to be strong trustees.

In many respects, Gonzalez' election is the most important. Her professional background offers her insights others cannot match, and her ethnic background gives her an appreciation for cultural differences that is invaluable.

Unfortunately, this means we cannot support incumbent Edward Slosar and newcomer Donna Nasser. Both are excellent candidates, and we hope they will find other ways to serve.