Students plan to ask Geneva school board candidates about issues that matter to them at a public forum starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16 at Williamsburg Elementary School (1812 Williamsburg Avenue, Geneva). The forum is being sponsored by the Geneva High School (GHS) Student Council. GHS students will help moderate the event alongside Daily Herald columnist Dave Heun.
“This forum gives the people who are most affected by the decisions of the School Board a chance to have their voices heard,” said Geneva communications coordinator Kristy Poteete-Kriegermeier. “Most students aren’t able to vote yet, but this forum gives them an authentic opportunity to participate in their local government.”
"In addition to having the chance to ask questions, it also is important for students to get to know these people," Dave Heun said. “School board members are essentially volunteers from your community who want to see the schools and students thrive. It calls for a major commitment, one that delivers a positive message to young people regardless of where a candidate stands on issues."
Three seats on the seven-member school board will be filled at the April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election. Candidates include incumbents Michael T. McCormick, Kelly B. Nowak, and Mary Stith and newcomers Taylor R. Egan, Ann E. Murtaugh, Evelyn Schneider, and Tina B. Yagla. All seven candidates have been invited to participate in the forum.
“This is a great opportunity for students and the public to learn about the candidates and find out where they stand on the issues,” said Geneva Superintendent Kent Mutchler.
The forum starts at 6 p.m.