MONROE — A public forum is being held by a local organization prior to the April 2 election in hopes that local voters will be able to get to know their School District of Monroe Board of Education candidates prior to the vote.

Monroe Advocates for Public Schools (MAPS) was organized to protect and promote public education by hosting nonpartisan public candidate forums for local races. The next forum is scheduled to be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at the Bauer Education Center, 1220 16th Avenue, Monroe.

MAPS does not support or endorse any political candidates, political parties, or ballot questions. Leaders of the group said MAPS 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, chair; Catherine Boughton, vice-chair; and Karen Fowdy, treasurer.

Leeds is a Monroe school district resident, proud parents of two district students, Monroe High School alum, and Registered Nurse. 

Fowdy is a Monroe school district resident, parent of three MHS alums, and retired Monroe School District educator. 

Boughton  was born and raised in Monroe, is an MHS alum and mother of three. 

“(I) left and came back again for the purpose of raising our family in this school district,” she said. “(I am an) active volunteer in our public schools and advocate for our responsibility to engage in civics and our shared community.”