Wahluke High School students to hold school board candidate forum

MATTAWA — The role of a school board member, and what candidates for Wahluke School Board plan to do if they are elected, will be the focus of a candidate forum in October. It’s a project of Wahluke High School ASB officers.

The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 in the WHS auditorium. It’s for school board candidates only.

Advisor Joel Dugan said it will be the second time the ASB has sponsored a candidate forum that also explains the school board’s role.

“The kids thought this up two years ago,” Dugan said.

The 2019 school board races generated more interest than usual, and the ASB officers thought that since the board oversees school operation, kids should know more about it, Dugan said. The 2019 forum attracted two candidates and a person making a write-in campaign.

Candidates will make an opening statement and then the floor will be opened to questions. Students, staff and Wahluke district patrons are being invited to attend and participate.

Dugan said the idea is to help voters make more informed decisions, as well as help people understand the school board’s role and function.

Both open seats on the board are being contested in 2021. Incumbent Jesse Chiprez is being challenged by Nick Trejo. Luke Jenne and Cynthia de Victoria will compete for the second seat. Incumbent Lorraine Jenne did not file for re-election.