Crandall, 45, is a software consultant and is the board chairman of Summit Academy Charter School in Draper, where his three children attend. His goal is to "help improve the quality of education in the state."

Murphy, 60, has three grown children who attended mainstream public schools. She is an attorney who works with parents and school districts on special education issues. Murphy spent 10 years on the Park City School Board and is the former president of the State School Boards Association. She has a master's degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her law degree is from the University of Utah.

Murphy said, "The most important thing we do in the state of Utah is educate kids."

Thomas, 46, is the Summit County attorney. He is a former State Senator and was chairman of the Steering Committee on Education, and on the Interim Education Committee. His four children have had a mix of homeschool, private school and mainstream public school. "I understand the issues," he said.

As a former legislator, Thomas is hoping to get politicians and education officials to play nicely together. "There has been an antagonistic relationship between the State Board and the Legislature for years," he said.

Openshaw, 37, is president of a technology company. His four children attend mainstream public schools. He volunteers with his church and Boy Scouts. "I have a vested interest in the education system," he said.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com