While academics is important, the school system also has a responsibility to prepare students for real life after graduation, Fischer said. "Students need the skills to become successful adults," he said.

Employers complain that graduates can't write or communicate verbally. The graduates need creative problem-solving skills. "Students should be challenged to achieve at a higher level," Fischer said.

Fischer has 40 years of education experience. He has worked in multiple states and has a diverse perspective on rural and urban issues. He said, however, that he has learned kids are kids, regardless of the geographic area. "The key is to tap into their talent," he said.

Richard LaPointe

LaPointe, 66, of McLean, Va., said he would love to be part of Utah's education system. He has adult children living in the state. "I have a deep affection for Utah and Utah's schools," he said.

He has worked at the U.S. Department of Education since 2002, serving as deputy assistant secretary for career, technical and adult education until 2007, when he became director of international education.

Previously, LaPointe was superintendent of public instruction in Virginia and superintendent of Contra Costa County Schools in Pleasant Hill, Calif. He was also, at different times, a consultant to the Education Finance Council, Oracle Corp. and the World Bank.

LaPointe has a doctorate in education from the University of California at Los Angeles. He was a Fulbright Fellow and W.W. Kellogg Foundation National Fellow.

Larry Shumway

Shumway, 55, of Stansbury Park, has been the state education office's deputy superintendent since 2008.

"We have great teachers. We need to support them so they can provide high-quality instruction for every child every day," he said.

Shumway has worked at the Utah State Office of Education as the director of educator quality and as licensing coordinator of the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Program since 2005.

Shumway was superintendent of Tooele School District and director of alternative schools and programs for Davis District.

He has taught school in Arizona and Idaho. He was the vice principal at Pine View High School in St. George and principal at North Sevier High School in Salina.

"Knowing all parts of the state is valuable," he said.

Shumway has served as an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University. Originally from Boise, he has a doctorate in education from University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

E-MAIL: astewart@desnews.com