Five Grand Junction High School students will lead an event to learn more about the candidates running for Mesa Valley School District 51 Board of Education positions.
According to GJHS senior Jerrik Wingerter, who will be moderating the event, the students will choose five total questions out of a 30-question list. Each student will get to ask one question.
The Wednesday, Sept. 17 event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Grand Junction High School. There are six candidates for three positions on the five-person school board. Three of the candidates are running for re-election.
Since the forum is student powered, the questions will be oriented around concerns from a high school student’s perspective.
“They answer our questions so the customers of the school system can have a say because ultimately we are the ones that suffer for what they do,” said Wingerter.
The five students involved will approach a podium, ask their assigned question, and each of the candidates will get a chance to respond. This will give everyone looking to be voted into the board a chance to voice their missions and goals for the education system.
There will be a similar candidate forum held on Oct. 18 at the Dual Immersion Academy, yet the GJHS candidate forum holds questions strictly provided from those attending GJHS. Voters invested in this election are able to attend both in order to hear out what these candidates have to offer D51.
All voters will receive mail-in ballots starting mid-October. Voting will close on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Restore the Balance is the host organization. According to their website, their mission is to give Democrats, Republicans, and Independents the chance to work together for “the purpose of building an alternative to political extremism.” Those wanting to reserve a seat can go through the organization’s website. Those interested in the forum can read our print edition for more in-depth coverage.
