Candidates for the Wichita Public School Board spoke at a forum Thursday night hosted by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Questions were submitted by members of the chamber, and focused on topics including school choice, transparency in the board's decision-making process, and workforce development.
Chamber President Gary Plummer said after the forum that his organization is very involved in workforce issues on a policy level. He said the event was a chance for members to hear where candidates stand.
"We have tended to focus on city council, county commission, state legislative races," he said. "I think this should signal a greater interest on behalf of the business community in the policy makers here at the local level that are helping to educate our young people."
The candidates who participated in the forum were unanimous in their support for technical training and trade schools. When asked if students need to attend a four-year college in order to “achieve the American dream,” board candidates all said: No, they don’t.
Plummer said he was gratified by the response. He said the candidates recognize that four-year colleges aren’t a fit for every student, and there are other options.
“And they realize that they can play a role in helping young people find the right path and fill some very critical jobs in our economy," he said.
USD 259 has partnered with schools like Wichita Area Technical College to introduce high school students to technical careers.
Candidates for districts 1, 2 and 6 were at the forum; District 5 is also up for election next month.
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