Barnes, Young challenge for Monroe School Board

In the upcoming Nov. 4 election, Molly Barnes and Heather Young are competing for the District 3 seat on the Monroe School Board. Barnes, who is completing her first term, advocates for enhanced career and technical education programs to prepare students for future job opportunities. She praised the district's recent achievements, including improved test scores and a five-year strategic plan. Young, who has experience working on education plans for her son with Down Syndrome, emphasizes the need for improved communication and community engagement from the board.

She criticized the scheduling of meetings that limit public attendance, stating it sends a negative message about community involvement. The school board also recently approved a $152 million bond proposal aimed at modernizing facilities, which includes transforming the Wagner Center into the Sky Valley Education Center. Both candidates are actively engaging with voters by canvassing neighborhoods and attending local events. The election will also see incumbent James Etzkorn running unopposed for the District 4 seat in 2025.