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But, he says, "having an outsider come in makes a lot more sense, especially if the opponent is an advocate for change but at the same time is part of the same institution she wants to change."

He promises to work for a safe, well-rounded school environment that develops the body, spirit and mind. That's why he supports keeping band and athletics programs. He opposes the state requiring passage of the 10th-grade Washington Assessment for Student Learning for high school graduation.

He believes his private-sector experience, which includes work in the insurance and hotel industries, would provide valuable perspective for the board. He works as assistant general manager at the Holiday Inn Seattle Center.

Golding points to her 10 years of leadership in the PTA at the local and state levels and her familiarity with community members. She volunteers as the PTA Region 10 director and serves on the Washington State PTA Board of Directors.

"Parents have felt very much on the outside," she said. "It's time we not only listen to parents but hear them as well. The district needs to reach out more, rather than wait for parents and community members to come to them."

For instance, she said the district committee that studied and recommended a policy on health, nutrition and physical activity, including recess, should have had more PTA and parent representation.

As for choosing a new superintendent, Golding wants a leader who's comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds and with groups that disagree with the district.

Golding, 42, works as a hospital respiratory therapist. She has a son in Lincoln High School's autism program and an older son who attended school in the district.

The most active campaigner of the four Tacoma board candidates, Golding has raised more than $1,700 and received the support of several organizations, including the Tacoma Education Association, which represents teaching, clerical and other district staff.

Jim Dugan says his job overseeing large construction projects will serve the district well as it completes projects under one bond measure and prepares to begin another round if voters pass a bond proposal in February.

Dugan works as the project manager for design and engineering of the Tacoma district's $99.5 million modernization and restoration of historic Stadium High School.

Dugan said he doesn't consider his work on Stadium as a conflict of interest if he serves on the board. If a matter comes before the board involving Stadium's design, he said he would recuse himself from any discussion.

State law allows school board directors to have "remote interests" if the employee of a company doing business with the district has a fixed salary - and Dugan said his salary is fixed.

Dugan believes schools should be closed only as a last resort. He thinks other revenue streams, such as private partnerships, should be sought before closing buildings.

Dugan said his practical, straightforward and honest style, coupled with his business and collaborative skills, would suit him well for the board.

The 49-year-old Tacoma man, who has an adult son and two adult stepchildren, is the president and founder of the Dugan Foundation, which advocates the end of euthanasia for dogs and cats.

Dugan said he hasn't raised campaign funds because he didn't want prospective contributors to expect something in return. The Tacoma Education Association supports his candidacy.

The News Tribune was unable to reach Langevin last week, despite repeated telephone calls and e-mails to the candidate. In attempting to access her campaign Web site, a message appeared saying, "The site has been removed at the request of the site owner."

In a News Tribune questionnaire completed several weeks ago, Langevin said she would close schools with low enrollment if there were no alternative.

If budget cuts must be made, she said the district should not cut special education, bilingual services, teacher resources or the program for gifted children. She said the district should seek input before cutting programs.

Langevin, a social case worker and the mother of an elementary school student, has been active in University of Washington Tacoma alumni activities, the Hispanic community, Tacoma neighborhood organizations and the Sherman Elementary School PTA.

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