An active community volunteer, a young businessman and a children's therapist are competing in the Board of Education's primary election next month.

The winner of the Republican primary July 20 will face Democrat Alfonso Cardenas for the District 1 seat, which is being vacated by Billy Britt, who has decided not to run for re-election.

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Three of the five seats on the board are up for election this year.

District 1 is the only race that has multiple candidates from the same party, thus creating the need for a primary election.

District 1 encompasses parts of Lawrenceville, Grayson and Dacula and includes some of the most overcrowded schools in the county — a major issue for the candidates.

Britt, who was first elected in 1996, has endorsed Carole C. Boyce to take over when his term expires in December.

Boyce, 54, is a mother of six who has been actively involved in Gwinnett school and community groups.

She serves on the Superintendent's Council of Community Advisors and the steering committee of the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, among other volunteer positions.

A resident of Dacula, Boyce said the school system needs to find better ways to plan for enrollment, which is expected to top 134,000 students next year.

"I believe that creative ways can be found to handle growth and its implications while continuing to improve the quality of the instruction," she said.

Charles Lollar, 32, is a father of four who serves as vice chairman of the school council for Cooper Elementary in Loganville.

A manager for Cintas Corp., Lollar has been an active member of the Republican Party in Cobb and Gwinnett counties and has served as a legislative aide to state Sen. Chuck Clay (R-Marietta).

Lollar, who lives in Lawrenceville, has called for "smart growth" to help reduce crowding in the state's largest system.

"It's clear to me, the trend of overwhelming growth is coming to District 1," he said in kicking off his campaign.

"We have the most undeveloped land available in the county, and we must be proactive in preparation for this growth."

According to his campaign Web site, Lollar has received the endorsement of the Gwinnett County Association of Educators.

Tim Riley, 43, is a therapist who specializes in treating youth addictions.

Riley is the only contender to previously run for the education board.

In 1996, he unsuccessfully challenged longtime incumbent Louise Radloff for her seat.

Riley, a Lawrenceville resident, said he was appalled to learn that some Gwinnett students attend science class in trailers, which have been used at many schools to alleviate crowding.

"I would like to eventually see an end to all trailers," he said.

"I think [the current board's] intentions are good, and they're working toward it the best they can, but . . . we have got to make it happen."