Seats up for election: Two seats at Places 4 and 5 are open on the Lovejoy school board. Incumbent board president Richard Hickman faces one opponent at Place 5. Two newcomers are vying for Place 4. Gary Barton withdrew from the race for Place 4. The board is elected "at large." Terms last three years.

The job at hand: Lovejoy schools have about 2,500 students. As junior and senior classes are added to the high school in the next two years, more students will join the district.

Place 4 candidates

Julie James

46, homemaker

What would be your highest priority in office? My highest priority would be academic and personal success for each student.

What makes you the best candidate in this race? I have had a lot of community service through PTA and serving on different district boards for the past nine years. I'm very familiar with what's going on in the district.

Candidate Web site: www.voteforjuliejames.com

Kerry Leath

39, account manager for biotech company

What would be your highest priority in office? The top priorities are ensuring that our district remains in a good financial condition and that we aren't adversely affected by dynamic growth. I also want to continue the high academic standards of the district.

What makes you the best candidate in this race? I feel that my professional and business background would make me a valuable contributor to the board. I've got kids in the school system, and I'm very involved in coaching youth sports and kids activities.

Candidate Web site: None

Place 5 candidates

Rich Hickman (I)

59, banker

What would be your highest priority in office? One is always financial. We need to look after the financial well-being of the district and keep doing what we've been doing. The second is to continue the success that we've had on the academic side. We're exemplary. The community has an expectation that we'll continue that.

What makes you the best candidate in this race? The experience that I bring to the table is seeing the district through many changes and challenges over the years. I also bring knowledge of the community and am able to be a communicator and listener.

Candidate Web site: www.hickman4lisd.com

Brad Northcutt

43, vice president of investment firm

What would be your highest priority in office? We need to develop a strategic plan for our district and continue with strong fiscal management in the current economic conditions.

What makes you the best candidate in this race? I feel that I am in touch with the current needs of the students and teachers. I've got kids in the district who feel the directives and policies implemented by the board, which gives me good feedback.

Candidate Web site: None

Lovejoy Independent School District