The Indiana Ninth District Democratic Party through its education council recently announced it will hold “A Forum on the State of Education in Indiana” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Mid-America Science Park, 821 S. Lake Road South, Scottsburg.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The future of public education is at a critical turning point,” Education Council Co-Chairwoman Erica Lawrence said. “Our public education system faces teacher shortages, financial inequities, high teacher-to-student ratios and curriculum concerns. This forum will discuss these and other challenges.”

The event will feature a panel of state and regional education experts, including State Sen. Shelli Yoder, ISTA District Council President Samantha Pierce and retired Switzerland County School Superintendent Mike Jones. Lawrence, who also a public school principal, will serve as moderator for the event.

Led by Lawrence and Kristi Charbonneau, the education council consists of educators, students, public officials, parents and other interested parties from across the Ninth District working to advise the party on education policy and foster connections between the Democratic Party and members of the educational community.

For information on the event, visit the Ninth District Democratic Party website at ninthdistrictdems.org or call 812-725-2018.