In advance of the Katy ISD board of trustees election, Katy Parents of Gifted and Talented Students held its annual candidate forum at Morton Ranch High School on April 21. Incumbents Bryan Michalsky and Charles Griffin are facing challengers John Pendergraff and Leonard Ledford, respectively, for positions six and seven. The candidates answered two questions specific to the gifted and talented program, then answered audience questions on general district concerns. The forum was recorded and will be made available online at kpgt.org. Candidates discussed issues ranging from fiscal responsibility to curriculum development, high-stakes testing and bus driver staffing. Candidates also discussed the viability of expanding the two-way immersion program, or TWI, to meet the needs of students on the waiting list to enter the district's language immersion program. Each candidate made opening and closing remarks in addition to answering audience questions. During the forum, Michalsky said he would continue to support the district's resolution to repeal high-stakes testing, and he would like to see programs such as ROTC and junior high sports expanded. Pendergraff said two of his goals are to raise salaries for bus drivers and change the district's math curriculum. Griffin said he would continue to support programs that are accessible to all students and encourage student leadership. Ledford said his focus was fiscal responsibility, particularly in regard to bond savings. Election day is Saturday, May 9. In-person early voting is available April 27-30 and May 1, 4, and 5 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cinco Ranch High School, Taylor High School, Seven Lakes High School, Mayde Creek High School and the Leonard Merrell Center, rooms 143 and 144.