Over the years, the State Center Community College District has efficiently served thousands of students on two college campuses and at several centers and satellite campuses across the sprawling four-county district. Last November, voters showed their faith in district leadership by passing a $161 million bond measure that will help meet the educational needs of the fast-growing system.

But apparently all was not well internally, and last month district trustees reassigned Chancellor Judith Redwine on a 4-3 vote. Unfortunately, the board has not been forthcoming about the reasons the majority removed Redwine, whose annual salary is $148,000.

The public deserves an explanation for the change in leadership, as well as reassurance that this district will continue to perform at the level that supporters of the system have come to expect. Trustees have hinted that Redwine's ability to lead the district was at issue and the system would be better served by removing her from the post she'd held since September 1999. Some trustees were critical of Redwine's planning for expanded operations at the Clovis Center. But no matter the reason -- competence, management style or something more troubling -- the board should level with the public. Otherwise, a cloud of mistrust will hang over the district.

The board has named Reedley College President Tom Crow as the interim chancellor and has indicated that it intends to choose a successor at Reedley. Obviously, the trustees have a leadership plan. It's time to let the public in on the secret. This district has too much on its agenda to get diverted by mishandling the leadership change. District enrollment has increased 31% in the past five years, and new facilities are badly needed to give every student in the region an opportunity to get a college education. That's the key reason voters passed the bond in November.

The board must show that the voters' faith was not misplaced. The crowded Fresno City College campus is supposed to be upgraded, and the historic Old Administration Building is to be renovated. The district's bond also includes funds to replace the Career and Technology Center on Annadale Avenue and relocate the crowded Clovis Center on Herndon Avenue near Peach Avenue.

But if the board won't even explain why Redwine was reassigned, how can the public be assured that the growing needs of the district's students will be met?