Eight candidates vying for four slots on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors will face off on Wednesday, Feb. 15, as Parents for Public Schools of Milwaukee (PPS-MKE) hosts a candidate forum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at MacDowell Montessori School, 6415 W. Mount Vernon Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

In advance of Milwaukee’s spring general election on April 4, candidates will answer questions from Parents for Public Schools and audience members about the challenges facing Wisconsin’s largest school district, how parents can support and engage with the district, funding issues and more.

“We can’t think of a more important way to celebrate ‘I Love My Public School’ week in Wisconsin than by meeting eight people who want to help shape policy and success for our district’s children,” said PPS-MKE President Jennifer Hofschulte. “We know that Milwaukee’s future is tied to the success of our public schools. Let’s see where the candidates agree, and don’t, on a way forward for Milwaukee Public Schools.”

The candidates include two incumbent directors, current and former teachers, an entrepreneur, a community organizer, a project manager, the parent of an incoming MPS kindergartner, and a bilingual advocate and educator:

• District Four: Aisha Carr and Annie Woodward
• District Five: Larry Miller and Kahri Phelps Okoro
• District Six: Tony Baez and Jonatan Zuniga
• District Seven: Joey Balistreri and Paula Phillips

The 90-minute program also includes a brief workshop on the proposed 2017-19 Wisconsin budget.