Republic, HuffPost host school choice panel

What kind of school will best serve my child? What’s the difference between district and charter? Could an Empowerment Scholarship Account work for me?

Education and the issue of school choice have become a hotly debated political football in Arizona. But for many families, the questions are focused on how they can find the best option for their children.

The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com and HuffPost are hosting a conversation Oct. 18 about education and school choice to help families navigate the politics to get to real answers.

“The Academics And Economics Of School Choice: A Parent-Led Discussion” will run at the Tempe Center for the Arts Lakeside Room. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the forum begins at 7 p.m.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Phoenix parents Claudia Lopez and Angelina Dominguez will host the 90minute conversation.

Panelists include Lawrence Robinson, president-elect of the Arizona School Boards Association; state Rep. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, a charter school teacher and chairman of the House Education Committee; and Sharon Kirsch, co-chairwoman of Save Our Schools Arizona.

The event is part of HuffPost’s “Listen to America” RV tour — a two-week journey through five Western states to talk about issues affecting communities in California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and Colorado.

To RSVP or for more information, go to education.azcentral.com.