The race for the DeKalb County Board of Education matters more this year.

The May 20 primary will be a chance for a new beginning for a school system that’s been rocked by scandals.

DeKalb County Schools recently came off of probation imposed by AdvancED, the organization that accredits high schools across the nation.  DeKalb County schools found its accreditation in jeopardy in December 2012 and had a tumultuous 2013 as a result.  Gov. Nathan Deal removed six school board members from office.

This year, the state Legislature reduced the number of seats on the school board from nine to seven.

There are five candidates on the ballot for DeKalb County Board of Education District 3, which includes schools that serve Avondale Estates. Voters will have a chance to learn more about them during a forum set for Thursday, May 1.  The forum begins at 7 pm and will be held at 2697 Tilson road in Decatur, GA 30032 at Solomon’s Porch Ministries.

The candidates for District 3 this year are:

– Jerrie D. Bason

– Michael A. Erwin, Incumbent

– Jarrod Jordan

– Atticus LeBlanc

– Willie R. Mosley, Jr.

The event is being sponsored by Commissioner Larry Johnson, and State Rep. Howard Mosby.

Tara Hardy is helping to organize the event for the church. She said the forum should conclude at 8:30. She said it’s not a debate. Candidates will get a chance to present their platforms and will take questions from the public.

Hardy said the school board elections shouldn’t be overlooked this year.

“It’s a very important issue, especially when you look at what’s happening with the schools in District 3, how the school system is being represented,” she said. “I think to make things better, we first of all need to know who we’re putting on the board, and what they’re bringing to the table to improve the school district. A lot of times we don’t get that information and we don’t get to talk to the candidates or really know what their agenda is.”