The Maricopa Educational Foundation is sponsoring a forum for all Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will take place at Maricopa Elementary School at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Maricopa20 television Thursday, courtesy of the city and Orbitel Communications. All six candidates for the local governing board have been invited to attend. They will be responding to a pre-determined set of questions prepared by the Foundation board members. Tracy Davis is the sole candidate for the two-year term vacancy on the board. Patti Coutré, Lori Glenn, Geoff Goddard, Tyree Miller and Carrie Vargas are the five individuals vying for the remaining three, four-year term seats (see related story with responses from the candidates). The forum will be moderated by Delia Carlyle, chairperson of the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s tribal council and a long-time MUSD school board member. Host for the evening will be Michael Muriett, a Foundation board member and former school board member. According the Muriett, “The purpose of the forum is to help us avoid the problem that plagues many of our elections. People vote based on whose name they recognize, but they cast their ballot without being able to know the candidates and what they are all about. When I ran for the board we had the opportunity to go to Chamber mixers, community functions and other public events to meet the voters. I haven’t seen that happen in the last few elections.” “The Maricopa Education Foundation wants to give the community the opportunity to see what each candidate has to offer so residents can make their decisions based on what each plans to work towards if elected to office. This should be a great event for the candidates and the community alike,” added Muriett. The Maricopa Education Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2007. Its vision is the promotion of educational excellence in the city of Maricopa. The 10 members of the board of directors are Maricopa residents who offer a diverse perspective on educational issues and challenges.
IF YOU GO:
What: School Board Candidate Forum
When: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Elementary School, 18150 Alterra Parkway
Cost: Free File photo |