COLUMBIA CITY – On Monday, the 37th District Democrats will host a panel discussion on Charter School Initiative 1240 at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center (RVCC) in Columbia City.

Initiative 1240 would allow the independent public schools to be established in Washington state for the first time. Voters have rejected the idea three other times, in 1996, 2000 and 2004.

The discussion will be moderated by 37th District Democrats Chair Michael Wolfe. Panelists will include 37th District Representative Eric Pettigrew, community activist George Griffin, representatives from the Yes campaign and the No campaign, and Margueritte Roza, an education policy researcher at the University of Washington.

Earlier this year, the 37th District hosted a lively and well attended debate on Initiative 502 on marijuana legalization.  Organizers say this month’s panel discussion promises to be just as exciting.

“Our monthly meetings give us an opportunity to educate our membership and engage the community in discussion,” said Wolfe, chair of the 37th District Democrats. “Education, is an issue that is very important to people here in the 37th, so we are excited about bringing people together to talk about I-1240.”

The event will take place on Mon., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. RVCC is located at 3515 S. Alaska St. (Rainier Ave. S. & S. Alaska St.).

Photo/Rainier Valley Post