HOLLY SPRINGS — Those who favor school choice are planning a candidate forum as the campaign season has many politicians taking sides on the continuing debate in Cherokee County.

Citizens for Having Options In Children’s Education, or Cherokee C.H.O.I.C.E., will conduct a public forum Saturday focusing on issues relating to education, according to a press release from the group Thursday.

The forum will take place at the Holly Springs Train Depot Community Center located at 164 Hickory Road in Holly Springs from 4 to 7 p.m.

The announcement comes on the heels of Macedonia Elementary School PTA’s decision to hold a school-centered candidate forum July 26.

While several candidates are not on the list of those planning to attend Cherokee C.H.O.I.C.E.’s forum, organizers say everyone is welcome.

“All appropriate candidates for state and local elected office who have a direct impact on decisions, policy and legislation with regards to education policy in Cherokee County have been invited to speak and receive questions from the public,” Chris Knowles, the group’s founder, said in the press release.

Knowles said in the release that any school board official and/or Cherokee County School District representative is invited to attend and be recognized.

Participating candidates will be allowed five to 10 minutes to speak. At the conclusion of all candidate comments, there will be a moderated question and answer session.

“In the spirit of open and honest, transparent discussion, questions will moderated but not filtered as long as they pertain to education-related issues facing the voters of Cherokee County,” Knowles said.

Those wishing to ask a question may submit their questions the day of the event.

Candidates who have committed to attend, as listed in the release, are as follows: Danny Dukes, who is running for Board of Education Chairman; Kelly Marlow, who is running for school board Post 1; Kim Cochran, who is running for school board Post 2; Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock); Rep. Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) and his opponent, Scot Turner, who will have a representative read a prepared statement; Michael Caldwell, who is running for State House District 20; District 23 candidates Dean Sheridan and Harold Welchel; and Martin Hawley, who is running for State House District 46.

Unchallenged candidates reported to attend are Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) and Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville).

For additional information, contact Barbara Knowles, C.H.O.I.C.E. executive director, at info@educationchoice.us.