Alan S. Coleman, challenger, 53, Westwood. Retired music teacher. Ideas: Bring fine arts education and extracurricular activities back to schools. Make gymnasiums and classrooms available to the city's recreation commission after school day ends. Expand latchkey programs. Keep traditional high schools in neighborhoods.

John J. Gilligan, incumbent, 82, Clifton. A University of Cincinnati College of Law lecturer and former Ohio governor, Congressman and city councilman. Ideas: Galvanize more people and neighborhoods around schools' success. Get a teacher evaluation/compensation contract approved. Unify school curricula, so children who move don't fall behind.

Derry L. Hooks II, challenger, 57, North Avondale. Retired CPS science teacher; now a contract mediator. Ideas: Work with parents to increase attendance. Assess academic performance quarterly. Identify community learning programs for each school. Make school decision-making teams more parent-friendly.

Robert Killins Jr., challenger, 43, West End. Supervisor of corporate contributions at Procter & Gamble. Ideas: Address academic emergency status. Set up training sessions on parental involvement. Reduce required meetings between superintendent and board.

Roy L. McGrath, challenger, Clifton. Office manager and accountant. Ideas: Enhance after-school programs and use them for cramming for standardized tests. Add college prep to more high schools using part-time teachers. Cut truancy and dropout rates by pursuing negligent parents. Expand vouchers and charter school choices.

Florence Newell, incumbent, 60, Roselawn. University of Cincinnati associate professor in education. Ideas: Better training for teachers. Better evaluations to recognize good ones and fire weak ones. Raise expectations for students. Improve relationships with parents. Develop use plans for each school building by surveying the community.

Rick Williams, incumbent, 48, Avondale. Community planner and president of Home Ownership Center. Ideas: Restructure district for greater accountability of decisionmakers and teachers. Return appropriate authority to the superintendent. Annual parent forums to present rights and opportunities of No Child Left Behind legislation. Train parents to assist children.