Youth-led School Board Candidates Forum to Inform West End Voters

It’s political debate season, even right here in Alameda.

The youth-led ‘West Alameda School Board Candidates Forum’ is a great opportunity to hear candidates for the AUSD School Board outline their positions on issues facing our schools.

The forum will take place Thursday Oct. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC), 210 Central Avenue (Encinal High School Campus) in west Alameda.

“With the national election in full swing, it can be easy to overlook local candidates and issues," said Jake Powell, Social Sciences facilitator (teacher) at ACLC. "However, it’s at the local level where most of the decisions affecting our daily lives get made. That’s why it’s important for Alamedans to hear the candidates’ positions on the issues that affect our schools.”

Alternatives in Action High School, sponsor of the West Alameda Candidates Forums, is working in partnership with government students from ACLC and Nea Community Learning Centers, the Encinal Jetsetters, the Alameda Multicultural Community Center and the Alameda Point Collaborative to create the forum. 

The students will host the event, help develop the format and pose questions to the candidates running for the Board of Education. Voter registration will also be offered at the event.

“Though many of the youth engaged in this forum are charter school students, we will question the candidates on issues affecting the entire Alameda school district,” said Powell. “Our 2008 forum had a high turnout and generated lots of excitement, especially among West End residents.  It’s a great way to inform voters and get people involved in the political process.  Everyone should have a voice in how they are governed.”