series of meetings being held tonight.

Seven simultaneous forums are being held at venues across the Island, with the aim of getting valuable input from the community on education issues.

The results will be fed directly to Education Minister Milton Scott and could form part of future policy.

Board of Education member Sheelagh Cooper said the meetings will herald the first time people have been able to have their say at the very start.

"The Board of Education has gone out to solicit the views of the people at the beginning,'' she said.

"This decision turns the table around and provides the opportunity for people from all sectors of the community to begin to help us set the direction and develop philosophy.'' Trained professionals will lead the meetings, which will take place at Sandys Secondary Middle school, Spice Valley school, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Elliot Primary, Berkeley Institute, Whitney Middle school and St. George's Preparatory school.

They all take place tonight between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

CONFERENCE CON