NORWICH – Five candidates are vying for the two board of education seats up for grabs in the Norwich City School Districts. Residents of the district will have the chance to meet each of these individuals and hear their stance on issues facing the district at a Meet the Candidates event tonight sponsored by Norwich’s Parent Teacher Student Association. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Stanford Gibson Elementary School Auditorium.

The two school board seats open are those currently occupied by board members Thomas L. Morrone and Priscilla M. Johnson, both of whom are seeking reelection. They are being challenged by former board president Robert I. Patterson, Chenango County District Attorney Joseph A. McBride and newcomer Erica L. Barrows.

Meet the Candidates (in the order they will appear on the ballot):

Erica L. Barrows

Norwich High School graduate Erica Barrows is making her first run for a seat on the Norwich School Board. The 35-year old Norwich native is a lifelong resident of Chenango County. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Albany and has a background in social work.

“I am running because I feel it is a good way to network, meet people, and serve a community need all at the same time,” she said.

Barrows served on the Opportunities for Chenango board of directors from 2003-2006, and is a volunteer tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County.