Editorial — Voters need chance to hear school board candidates

TUESDAY EDITORIAL — In the midst of civic elections, one form of government seems to take a back seat in the public’s attention despite the importance of its work and the considerable tax dollars it spends.

It is, of course, the board of education. It’s rewarding being a school trustee, but often it isn’t much fun. The education system and its stakeholders are demanding and it’s impossible to please everyone.

When a school board has to close down a school or make difficult spending decisions that affect programs, sitting around the board room is not for the faint-hearted.

That’s why it’s good to know there will be a special candidates’ forum for those seeking seats on the school board. It will take place Nov. 6 at St. Andrews on the Square from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Kamloops-Thompson Teachers Association used to host such forums but bowed out a few elections ago and Trustee Gerald Watson took up the cause. It’s good to see there’s a sizeable roster of candidates this year, but that makes it tougher for voters to make up their minds who to support.

Rather than just go with the names they know — and that always favours incumbents — they need an opportunity to listen to what all the candidates have to say. That’s the value of forums. While there will be many forums for council candidates, this one chance to hear school board candidates is one that shouldn’t be missed.