By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – As the clock strikes midnight for local election day, Washington Elementary School in Bloomington held a forum for the District 87 School Board candidates to address questions from the public.

On the eve of election day, Washington Elementary brought together Brigette Beasley, Mary Yount, Kaisha Henry, and Elizabeth Fox Anvick to answer questions provided by the public (candidate Charles Irwin was absent, but had a statement prepared and read for him). The audience of the forum were parents – voters who wanted to get to know their candidates better before seeing their names on the ballot. For parent Christine King, having an idea of who the people are in charge of her children’s education plays a critical role in where her vote goes.

“I think it’s important to know who you’re voting for and why, and to just sort of hear the candidates’ views on the state of where District 87 currently is and where they’d like to see it go,” King explained. “And just get a sense of their sensibilities.”

Each candidate explained their respective history with the community, with each having lived in town for at least 10 years. Elizabeth Reed, a parent attending the forum, explained she wanted a better grasp of what the candidates can do to impact District 87 in a positive way. For Reed, knowing what the candidates will contribute is just part of her decision.

“Their ideas and what they bring to the table,” said Reed. “Their history, particularly with District 87 and the Bloomington-Normal community, and their ideas moving forward.”

Of the five candidates, Fox Anvick and Irwin are the only newcomers, with Beasley, Yount, and Henry running as incumbents.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].