Small hall, large crowd was the format for an intimate gathering of the public at the Quail’s Nest arts centre in Oliver where 4 candidates vying for two seat on the School Board spoke and were questioned.

Rob Zandee is pictured at his turn to address the crowd of 53 in total. Capacity of the room was about 70. Other candidates Tamela Edwards, Martin Cattermole and Tracy Hunt faced questions on the cost and effectiveness of busing students, declining enrollment, the future of education and how to get students to experience art in the community. Communications was a key subject in speeches and during question period. The meeting was attended by current trustees in Osoyoos and OK Falls. Trustee Sam Hancheroff is pictured asking a question last night but he told the audience it was so good to have a forum just for education.

To those who could not make it because of film night at the theatre the Arts Council probably could not have housed all the crowd. Everybody, candidates, audience and organizers seemed very pleased with the event.

The event was covered well by local media. The whole show will be on Channel 18 this week and the words spoken will be outlined in next Wednesday’s Oliver Chronicle.

Best of luck to the candidates. Thanks to the Oliver Community Arts Council for hosting the event. Thanks to Sally Franks, Val Friesen and Leann Parrent for insuring its success.