Monroe Advocates for Public Schools (MAPS) is hosting its second annual school board candidate forum from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 3 at the Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th Street. All six candidates for school board have agreed to participate. They will have the opportunity to promote their candidacy and answer questions from the public.

MAPS was organized to protect and promote public education by hosting nonpartisan public candidate forums for local races. MAPS does not support or endorse any political candidates, political parties, or ballot questions. The group exists to fund and organize a public forum for local political candidates to state their positions and respond to questions from the public. The group supports public agendas for public institutions, an informed electorate, and the democratic process, with the understanding that publicly-funded public education is a basic foundation of democracy.

Volunteer officers include Claire Leeds, Catherine Boughton and Karen Fowdy.

Leeds, Chair, is a Monroe school district resident, proud parent of two “terrific” district kids, MHS alum, and Registered Nurse.

Boughton (Vice-Chair) was born and raised in Monroe, an MHS alum and mother of three. She left and came back again for the purpose of raising her family in the Monroe school district. She actively volunteers in district schools and advocates for responsibility to engage in civics and the shared community.

Fowdy (Treasurer) is a Monroe school district resident, parent of three MHS alums, and retired Monroe school district educator.