SCHOOL BOARD FORUMS

There’s been a lot of public anger lately about the Springfield School Board, which on Tuesday voted a second time to close a popular middle school that appears to be helping to “close the gap” of academic achievement disparity. Maybe you think the school board is right to cut a program that costs about $1.7 million, even if the potential savings may not be that high. Maybe you think the closure decision is based on race and class divisions that continue to plague Springfield. Or maybe you’re not sure where you stand. Regardless, school board elections are coming up on April 9, and four of the current board members are seeking reelection. If you’re concerned about the direction of Springfield Public Schools, here’s your chance to pick the right people to manage the district. You can meet the candidates at an upcoming pair of forums hosted by the Springfield Citizens Club at Hoogland Center for the Arts. The first forum is March 7 from 5:50p.m. to 7:30p.m., and the second is March 22 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit www.citizensclubofspringfield.org.