ATLANTA - Candidates for Georgia schools superintendent said Wednesday they would push for fewer cuts to public schools and overhaul the state's math curriculum.

And all three want to get rid of the state's single-track diploma that sends every student through college prep classes, saying one system doesn't serve the diverse learning needs of students in Georgia.

"We can't be afraid to pull students out and give them specific instruction," said Republican John Barge, a Bartow County schools administrator.

Barge went head-to-head for the first time since the state's July 20 primary with opponents Joe Martin, a Democrat, and Libertarian Kira Willis. The forum, sponsored by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, gave the trio a chance to talk to educators, policy makers and community members about their platforms.

They argued over how to handle federal "Race to the Top" grant money if the state is a winner next month. Martin, a longtime Atlanta school board member and education advocate, said he does not agree with everything in the state's grant application but that Georgia shouldn't turn down any money for education.

"We need to win 'Race to the Top.' We need all the help we can possibly get," said Martin, who has run unsuccessfully for state schools chief in the past.

Barge said he was concerned the money would usher in too much federal involvement in Georgia schools. He stopped short of saying the state should not take the money, but stressed that Georgia should be careful about what strings are attached to the funding.

Willis, a teacher from Roswell, said Georgia should recuse itself from the competition because it's too little money - the state is up for $400 million - with too many consequences.

She did not elaborate on whether she would send the money back.

They all agreed education has been cut too much, but differed on how to raise more money for schools. Barge said the state should explore allowing tax revenue set aside for new buildings and repairs for other purposes.

Martin wants the state to consider eliminating some tax exemptions to help build revenue collections, while Willis said the state could save millions by not testing first- and second-grade students and by switching to a system of testing every other year rather than annually.

"We could really save ourselves a lot of money," Willis said.