By Samantha Bolden | The Selma Times-Journal

The community can meet candidates running for the Selma Board of Education during a forum next Monday.

The Delta Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host the school board forum for candidates to discuss issues facing schools.

“This forum gives candidates the opportunity to reveal their strategic plan for what they want to do as school board members,” said Billy Young, president of The Delta Pi Lambda Chapter. “It also gives them the opportunity to get questions from the community about different issues relating to the school board and what’s in the best interest of the children.”

The candidates running for president are Henry Hicks (incumbent) and Johnny E. Moss III.

The District 1 candidates are Kirk D. Chapatwala (incumbent), Rev. Bailey H. Dawson Sr., and Danielle Wooten.

The candidates running for District 2 are Brenda Obomanu (incumbent) and Jeffrey Strong.

The candidates running for District 3 are Nancy Bennett, Phyllis M. Houser, and Lola Sewell.

The candidates running for District 4 are Udo F. Ufomadu (incumbent) and Tanya S. Miles.

All candidates are expected to be at the forum.

Joseph L. Bumbrey Sr. is the coordinator of the event and will serve as the moderator during the forum. According to Young, the forum has been held every election since 2008.

Young reiterated that ‘in order to have a successful community, there must be a successful school system.’

“I’m excited about finding out the platform and the position of these individuals that have chosen to run for election,” Young said. “I’m also excited about what new improvements these candidates will bring in for education.”

The forum will be next Monday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Selma Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact Bumbrey at (334) 309-6404 or Young at (334) 874-8136.