Guy Fugal and Debbie Taylor are running unopposed in Districts 4 and 6, respectively.

Forsyth, 57, says her experience as a mother of five - including a special-needs child - ideally suits her for a third term helping keep the Alpine School District on sound educational and financial footing.

"It's a big job," said Forsyth, a board member since 1997. "We've been inundated with little children, and we will continue to be that way in the north part of our school district. We can't keep ahead of it. So we are trying to keep our heads above water and put students in places that are appropriate."

With its 52,700 students, 60-plus schools and more than 5,000 employees, the Alpine School District is the state's fourth largest and is rapidly growing even larger. Unfortunately, Forsyth added, funds are not keeping pace with growth.

"Money is always an issue," she said.

Even so, Forsyth says the board is up to the challenge. If re-elected, she plans to help the district reach out and build better relations with city leaders and state lawmakers. She especially wants to lobby the Legislature to lift the $12 million cap on Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration money - a funding pool public schools in Utah split and spend as needed.

Clayton, 69, says his experience as a former Orem City councilman, school administrator and teacher - he has taught at the University of Utah and Utah Valley State College as well as in public schools - qualify him for the job.

If elected, Clayton says he would ensure the district receives adequate funding to support qualified educators and a quality curriculum. He also pledges to focus on greater efficiencies within the system. For example, he would like to take a whack out of school fees.

"School fees have become a hidden tax in our district," said Clayton, now employed as a driver license examiner for the Utah Department of Public Safety. "In many cases, it places a financial burden on parents."

Clayton wants to give parents greater say in the education of their children.

"Private, charter and home schools play an important role in education of students," he said. "School choice is a prerogative for the parents."

Both candidates oppose splitting the Alpine School District and creating a Pioneer School District for students in Lehi, Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.

meddington@sltrib.com