Ready to dive into the slightly-byzantine, totally-enraged politics of the Seattle School District?

Neither are we, but we must. After a three-year run of controversies—ranging from school closures to a $1.8 million alleged fraud scandal that ended in the superintendent’s termination—a majority of the Seattle School Board is up for reelection this fall. A sweep by four serious challengers in the general election would tip the troubled district’s balance of power.

But do these Cliff Mass-endorsed hopefuls have the skills to run the school district?

All four incumbents and all four challengers will debate at Town Hall on September 28 at 7:30 p.m. in an event sponsored by The Stranger. Lightning rounds with all eight contenders? YES! Four sets of one-on-one mini-debates? YES! Vote via text after every round for the winner of each match? YES! YES! FORTHECHILDRENYES! Ahem... the candidates are:

KIRO’s Dave Ross will moderate, with help from panelists: Lauren McGuire (president of the Seattle PTSA) and Melissa Westbrook (author of the blog Save Seattle Schools, which is also a co-sponsor).

Tickets are free; go online to guarantee your seat here. The event's upstairs at Town Hall Seattle (8th Ave and Seneca Street) on September 28 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.