The question of whether Hawaii’s statewide school board should be elected or appointed is being debated in preparation for the Nov. 2 election.

The community forum in Hawaii Kai on Tuesday features presentations by Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi, who wants the board to continue being elected, and the advocacy group Hawaii’s Children First which is seeking an appointed board.

Voters will decide whether to change the board’s structure through a proposed constitutional amendment on the general election ballot.

The forum at Hahaione Elementary School is being sponsored by Republican state Rep. Gene Ward.

Ward says he used to think an elected board would implement reforms, but now he believes the current system lacks accountability.