Lakeview Candidate Forum Puts Public Education on the Agenda

Lakeview School District will host a candidate forum focused on public education policy Tuesday, October 13, at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek.

The forum runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 15060 South Helmer Road.

The evening is intended to help students, parents and voters understand how candidates approach the laws, funding decisions and policy questions that shape public schools.

It arrives at a useful moment for residents who want more than campaign slogans before casting a ballot.

Candidates invited to participate are running in U.S. House District 4, Michigan Senate District 18 and Michigan House District 44.

Those districts include portions of the Lakeview community, making the discussion directly relevant to local families even though the offices extend beyond the school district.

The forum will center on education rather than attempt to cover every issue on the November ballot.

Lakeview Board of Education President Eric Greene will moderate the discussion.

Candidates will receive two minutes to answer primary questions and one minute for follow-up questions.

That format is designed to give each participant room to explain a position while keeping the evening moving.

Audience participation is also part of the plan.

Community members may submit questions for consideration during a public question-and-answer segment.

Not every submitted question can be guaranteed time, but the segment gives residents a way to raise concerns that matter inside local classrooms.

The district encourages residents, parents and students to attend.

Voters who plan to participate can review their registration, polling place and sample ballot through Michigan's voter information center before the event.

Because candidate attendance can change, residents should watch Lakeview School District communications for any last-minute updates.

The school district's Board of Education page also provides information about public meetings, board governance and accessibility assistance.

People requesting accommodations should contact the district as early as possible.

The forum is a civic-information event, not a regular school board meeting.

It offers a focused opportunity to compare how candidates describe their priorities for public education and the communities schools serve.

Residents seeking additional information may contact Lakeview communications director Wendy Meyer at wmeyer@lakeviewspartans.org.

When is the Lakeview candidate forum?

The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Where will the Battle Creek school forum be held?

It will take place at Lakeview High School, 15060 South Helmer Road in Battle Creek.

Can audience members ask candidates questions?

Yes, the program includes an audience question-and-answer segment, with questions submitted for consideration by the moderator.