The Cambridge Education Association plans a School Committee candidate forum from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the Lewis room at the Cambridge Public Library’s Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. The forum will be recorded by Cambridge Community Television.

All 11 candidates are expected to participate. This election cycle is unusual due to number of seats in play, with three of six incumbents choosing not to run for reelection. 

“It’s really important because of the turnover with three open seats,” said Dan Monahan, president of the association. “It’s possible that it will change how the School Committee operates, and we need to take advantage of the opportunity.”

In addition, the mayor, who chairs the committee, is also up for reelection as a city councillor. 

At the forum, candidates will be asked four general questions regarding their goals while serving on the committee. Each candidate will be asked one question specific to their priorities, based on their responses to an association questionnaire.

Elections for the School Committee and City Council will be held Nov. 5. Voter registration ends Oct. 16, and absentee voting ends on Nov. 4.