School Board Forum

2026 School Board Candidate ForumMarch 17th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Madison College Watertown (1300 W Main Street)There are eight candidates running in the April 7, 2026 School Board election, and this forum provides a valuable opportunity for community members to hear directly from each candidate. Attendees will learn about their vision for our schools, ideas for strengthening education, and how they plan to address the challenges facing our district.Spring Election: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Voters will select four (4) candidatesCandidates (listed alphabetically):
• Julaine K. Appling
• David A. Byrne
• Christina DeGrave
• Sara M. Fitch
• David Handyside
• James G. Helmke
• Laurie J. Hoffmann
• David S. MazzieTerm Details:
• Three (3) candidates with the highest vote totals will serve three-year terms (April 27, 2026 – April 22, 2029).
• The candidate with the fourth-highest vote total will serve a one-year term (April 27, 2026 – April 25, 2027).This forum will be moderated by AAUW. Community members may submit questions in advance; please note that not all submitted questions will be asked.Submit your questions by March 10th here: https://forms.gle/V8CposKxDZyEYNzW9Join us to stay informed, hear directly from the candidates, and engage in the future of our schools!

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Host or Publisher Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce