Two suburban districts round out our school endorsements.

Natomas Unified: Susan Heredia, Bruce Roberts, Patricia Adams

Since 2000, Natomas Unified has gone from 6,000 students to more than 11,000.

Incumbent Heredia, in her eighth year, provides stability as two incumbents, Jennifer Baker and Ron Dwyer-Voss, are retiring.

The district has made strides, passing bonds to build five new schools. Academic performance has been improving. On the dubious purchase of 41 acres of land for $13.4 million when comparable land was cheaper, Heredia says she has learned a lesson and "will not settle for anything less than making the taxpayers and students whole in this transaction." Voters should return her to the board.

Roberts, a civil engineer, is a standout choice. He has been involved in the schools, serving on a site council and as chairman of the district's bond oversight committee. He's active in North Natomas transportation issues.

The third slot is a tough choice among three strong candidates: Patricia Adams, Briza Trujillo Cardenas and Jules Tran.

Adams, a longtime Natomas resident, currently serves as president of the Inderkum High PTSA. She attends school board meetings , has served on multiple committees and is co-president of the Natomas Parent Alliance Organization. She's been dogged in questioning the 41-acre land purchase and pressing for reforms.

Trujillo Cardenas has been active on PTSA committees, is a site council member and chairs the district's English learner advisory committee.

Tran, vice president of the River Oaks Community Association, has been active in promoting safe walking routes and cleanup and landscaping of schools. As an immigrant, he is sensitive to gang and language issues.

At a time when the board has been all too uncritical in accepting recommendations from staff – most notably on the land deal – Adams is the best choice.

A fourth candidate, attorney Rick Cohen, wants to use his experience to handle district legal issues "rather than overly rely on the advice of retained counsel." That's not the role of a school board member.

Folsom Cordova Unified: Teresa Stanley, Joanne Reinking

Since 2000, Folsom Cordova Unified has grown from 16,000 students to more than 19,000. Eight candidates are vying for two seats.

Incumbent Teresa Stanley, serving her 12th year, has been a strong proponent of public-private partnerships, parental involvement and technology in the classroom. Return her to the board.

Of the seven challengers, two stand out: Joanne Reinking and Conrade Mayer.

Mayer has been a PTA president at the elementary and middle school levels, has served on the district's bond oversight committee and raised money for school programs. One major drawback: Mayer believes science teachers should teach creationism or intelligent design along with evolution.

Reinking also has been a PTA president at the elementary and middle school levels, and has served on a site council and the district's advisory committee. She has a keen understanding of both the Rancho Cordova and Folsom communities.

Marilyn Maggio, a special education advocate, ran in 2006. She's passionate and committed but too narrowly focused on special education. Kumar Kalagara, a manager at the Board of Equalization, was involved in PTA, but doesn't match the deep involvement of Mayer and Reinking. Daniel Cheng, a financial planner, and Dyarl Abdo, a former contract manager with the Air Force, believe science teachers should teach creationism or intelligent design. Gary Johnson would leave school prayer and teaching of creationism or intelligent design up to parents.

Reinking is the best choice.