The forum tackled mainly education questions including the question of funding for Baltimore City Public Schools. Some candidates stressed the State should do more on their end while others suggested the city should devote more of their budget to education. Another issue that was discussed was the question of charter schools. Many of the candidates were campaigning in districts with a significant number of charter schools. Some stressed the need for serious regulation and oversight of the charter schools. Others shared the need for regulation but did not want that to come at the expense of being the innovative laboratories for learning that they may be.
The topic of community schools was discussed and all of the candidates present echoed their support for the wrap-around services that those schools provide for the neighborhood. They all agreed that the Baltimore City Council should continue to push for increased funding for these worthwhile ventures. Members had an opportunity to ask questions and learned of the candidates overall governing philosophies as well as their plans for combatting violence in schools and across the city.
More photos from the event can be found
on our Facebook page.
There will be candidate forums for City Council Wednesday Feb. 10 (Districts 1, 8, 9, 10, & 11) and Tuesday Feb. 16 (Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, & 14). More information on these events can be found on our website.