Christopher Garth is one of three candidates in the running for the School Committee.

The father of three won his seat in 2014 with a mission to tackle eroding public confidence and leadership troubles in the district. With that situation improving, he’s setting his sights on school finance and educational equity if he wins reelection.

[Related: Three compete for two School Committee openings]

Garth brought with him 20 years of experience in education. He worked in Virginia for five years before teaching in Westport, Franklin, and, most recently, as a history professor at Bristol Community College. He also served as an educational director for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. He credits his diverse background and experience outside of Dartmouth as one way he sets himself apart from other candidates.

If voted in for a second three-year term, Garth wants to focus on funding. Dartmouth is $2,500 below the state average in per pupil spending, $500 of which is in classroom instruction, Garth explained. He wants to bring classroom instruction spending — which includes teachers' salaries and benefits, and classroom supplies and materials — up to the state average at the very minimum.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that being in the bottom 10 percent [in per-pupil spending] is not acceptable,” Garth said.

He also wants to ensure educational opportunities are consistent across all schools in the district, especially on the elementary level. With three different schools, Garth wants to make sure the best practices at each school are shared and integrated. Eyeing potential space and transportation concerns at the north side of town, Garth would like to explore redistricting as a possible solution to overcrowding.