DERRY — Incumbent Neal Ochs has three challengers for a three-year term on the Derry Cooperative School District. The three challengers are all political newcomers.

Name: Neal Ochs

Age: 60

Incumbent: Yes

Occupation: Engineer tech

Elective experience: Two terms on the Derry School Board

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry School Board?

The 2010-2011 school budget will be a pivotal year due to state funding. We need experienced board members to look out for the children.

Name: Jeff Lawman

Age: 41

Incumbent: No

Occupation: Director of quality assurance and reliability engineering

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry School Board?

The Derry School Board's primary challenge is to ensure a top-tier education for all students, while exercising sound fiscal management on behalf of all taxpayers.

Name: Joseph Carter

Age: 69

Incumbent: No

Occupation: Retired

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry School Board?

If I get elected, I'm going to focus on the safety and security of the children. I think athletics need to be discussed by the board.

Name: Mark Beland

Age: 45

Incumbent: No

Occupation: Electronics engineer

Elective experience: None

What is the single most important issue facing the Derry School Board?

The major challenge for Derry is to be able to continue to provide the excellent programs we have during this global economic crisis.