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Jackson Public Schools highlights student-run mayoral forum giving scholars direct access to candidates
Summary
Jackson Public Schools recapped a Mayoral Forum organized for JPS scholars in which 11 candidates answered questions posed by students on issues including the Jackson water crisis, youth violence and school funding. District leaders called the event historic and said it gave students a civic-learning opportunity to question candidates directly.
Jackson Public Schools presented highlights from a first-of-its-kind mayoral forum that allowed JPS scholars to question municipal candidates on issues affecting their daily lives.
Superintendent Green described the forum as an unplanned but valuable opportunity, noting that 11 candidates participated and scholars asked direct questions about the Jackson water crisis, youth violence and education funding. "For the first time, JPS scholars had the opportunity to question those running for mayor of Jackson, challenging them on real issues that impact their daily lives," the superintendent said.
Students who moderated and asked questions described the event as empowering. One scholar who served as moderator, identified in the presentation as Javion, received special recognition from district leaders for his role. Student comments emphasized that the forum helped them understand how policies affect families and encouraged them to bring information back to their households.
Why it matters: The forum represents a tangible civic-engagement exercise for young people and underscores the district—s interest in connecting classroom learning about civics to real-world elections. District officials framed the event as part of a broader effort to make civic engagement concrete for students.
Source and attribution: Superintendent Green and student remarks during the opening highlights segment of the board meeting.
