Kearney School District residents have an opportunity to learn more about the Board of Education candidates during a public forum hosted by student leaders. The public forum will take place on Tuesday, March 22 from 6 to 7:30 pm, in the Kearney High School theater.

This public forum is being sponsored by the KHS Student Advisory Board, Student Council and National Honor Society. Seniors Abram Stuart and Heidi Eberhardt will serve as moderators.

"As students, we wanted to have a chance to learn more about these people who want to help lead our school system," Stuart said. "We can't all vote, but we can still participate in this school board election."

Six of the seven school board candidates have indicated that they will be participating in this public forum:

Rocky Brock
Len Broughton
Meredith Cole
John Kern
Lydia Mack
Stacy Rule

On April 5, voters who reside within the district will select two candidates to serve unpaid, three-year terms on the school system's Board of Education. Mr. Kern is the only incumbent who is seeking reelection. Current Board President Mark Kelly will be stepping down when his term ends at the April Board meeting.

At the public forum, the candidates will be given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves and then the moderators will ask questions submitted by their fellow students.

"We're looking forward to hearing what the candidates have to say about the things that are really important to us as students," Eberhardt said. "We invite the entire community to join us!"

Visit the Clay County Board of Elections website for more information about the April 5 ballot and how to vote.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story