Personal chemistry among trustees can make a crucial difference in whether a school board functions efficiently. Just consider how bitter personality clashes have caused all manner of problems for the San Diego Unified School District board.

The enmity among board members could be eased enormously on Nov. 2 if voters elect Miyo Reff, Luis Acle and Sharon Whitehurst-Payne. They would bring fresh perspectives and a determination to move the district forward. The trio would preserve the parts of Superintendent Alan Bersin's multifaceted reform program that are working, and also make needed corrections to accelerate student achievement.

The three candidates' unswerving commitment to the city schools suggests their first priority is to consolidate the substantial gains made by Bersin's Blueprint for Student Success by bringing more stakeholders into the decision-making process. Building on the blueprint's success requires a solid consensus among teachers, parents and community members.

No less important is selecting Bersin's successor. The nation's longest-serving large city superintendent will step down in 2006 when his contract expires. Replacing him with the right person will be one of the most important decisions the new board will make.

San Diego Unified students have shown scholastic improvement, particularly in the elementary grades. Much remains to be done, however, to close the achievement gap that bedevils black and Latino students. When Bersin was hired six years ago, he promised to restore the public's faith in the city school system. Miyo Reff, Luis Acle and Sharon Whitehurst-Payne are committed to honoring that promise.

San Diego Unified students have shown scholastic improvement, particularly in the elementary grades. Much remains to be done, however, to close the achievement gap that bedevils black and Latino students. When [Alan Bersin] was hired six years ago, he promised to restore the public's faith in the city school system. [Miyo Reff], [Luis Acle] and [Sharon Whitehurst-Payne] are committed to honoring that promise.