The Knoxville School Board meet the candidate forum was held Wednesday night at the Knoxville Performing Arts Center.

The event, which was broadcasted on 95.3 KNIA, was hosted by Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage. All six candidates, including Jyl DeJong, Cheri Gerdes, Dave Smith, Susan Swartzenzendruber, Brian Slykhuis, and Larissa Van Donselaar were on stage for the forum and had equal time to respond to eight different questions asked by Sage. The forum opened with introductions of each candidate.

The questions asked at the forum included topics ranging from what motivates them to be a school board member, what experiences qualify them for school board, what challenges does the state face regarding public education, what are hopes for the future of the school district, and current strengths the district should be proud of.

The six candidates are running for three seats on the Knoxville School Board. The 2023 city school elections take place on Tuesday, November 7th. Find the broadcast on demand at KNIAKRLS.com and tune into Let’s Talk Knoxville to hear one-on-one interviews with each Knoxville School Board candidate.