Raynard RossGRAND RAPIDS - Three community nonprofits have responded to a plea for more public forums from Grand Rapids school board candidate Raynard Ross.
Until today, there was only one forum by two Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) groups scheduled for the eight candidates vying for two open seats. . Ross said Monday that limited opportunity to assess and evaluate candidates qualifications did a "disservice" to the community and the candidates, given the academic and budget issues facing the school system.
Now, The Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Heart of West Michigan United Way will also hold a debate next week. Chris Glass, the Chamber's public policy coordinator, said they were unaware there was only one forum before the May 3 election.
Ross, director of Grand Rapids Community College's Upward Bound program, a pre-college program for low-income and potential first generation students, said he's pleased his message resonated with the organizations. He said the public deserves as many opportunities as possible to evaluate the candidates.
"When candidates have so little chance to articulate their background, experience and vision, they become defined by yard signs, literature and robo calls," Ross said Monday in a press release. " Lack of good information allows special interests to mislead the public."
He called on business groups, mental health communities, local nonprofits and foundations to host forum.
Glass said invitations have gone out to the candidates. So far, Ross, Dr. Monica Randles, David Clark and Incumbent Catherine Mueller have confirmed. Christine Jurrians is committed to a school event for her son. The other candidates are Walter Brame, Terry Zylstra Sr. and Christopher Sain Jr. The forum is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Inner City Christian Federation, Assembly Hall, 920 Cherry St. SE.
On Thursday, the City PTSA in conjunction with the Ottawa Hills PTSA will host a 7 p.m. forum in the auditorium of the district headquarters, 1331 Franklin St. SE.
E-mail Monica Scott: mscott@grpress.com