DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — When Gail Littlejohn stepped down two weeks ago after six years as a powerful force on the Dayton school board, she pointed toward the Nov. 6 election as a critical moment for the city school district.

"I think the board has shown what we can do with a tremendous focus and a lot of support," she said. "I think the community is at a place where it has to decide to support hard work."

Littlejohn, who is leaving Dayton for a job in Houston, said the incumbents are the best choice to keep reforms moving forward.

"They get it," she said. "They understand the reform effort and the hard work and the importance of having a united board around a few important things that have to do with kids."

But the outside candidates say the board needs a new direction. They say it is not responsive enough to the public, and they take issue with some of the board's decisions.

"The public has a perception about Dayton Public Schools," said Sheila Taylor, a courthouse clerical worker and first-time candidate. "I've been told I don't know all the facts, but I know the public perception. They need to work at changing that."

With Littlejohn gone and seven

candidates vying for four open seats on the seven-member board, the possibility exists that a new ruling coalition could emerge come January.

Related: The splintering of the school board | Find out more about your local candidates