Mercer Island residents will have an opportunity to hear from the candidates running for City Council and School Board weigh in on a variety of education topics when the PTA presents its primary election forum from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Mercer Island School District administrative board room.

The event will include a brief talk from each of the primary election candidates followed by an audience Q&A period. Mercer Island City Council presentations will be from Councilmember Debbie Bertlin and candidates Darren Gold and Traci Granbois. Mercer Island School Board presentations will be from candidates Tracy Drinkwater, Bill Hochberg and Adrienne Roehrich.

MISD district funding per student ranks 145th out of 296 in Washington state. Given the state-mandated limits to funding, the City Council works with the district and helps support Mercer Island schools by funding various initiatives:

– Safe routes to schools:  The city invests approximately $100k every two years in promote Safe Routes to Schools, including the installation of crosswalks and sidewalks and creation of walking paths that are separated from the street.

– Mental health counselors: MIYFS counselors are based onsite at each public school on Mercer Island, providing: counseling services for children, adolescents and their families; classroom presentations; and group activities. At the high school and middle school substance abuse services include prevention, education, intervention and assessment and referral.

– Provide offset for pool operating costs: The City of Mercer Island contributes approximately $120k per year to the school district for the operational and maintenance costs of Mary Wayte Pool.

– Field maintenance: Maintenance and use of sports fields.

The MISD admin building is located at 4160 86th Ave. S.E. To learn more about the primary election, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections/election-info/2015/201508.aspx.