PHILADELPHIA-- The Project on Civic Engagement, based at the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government, is spotlighting Philadelphia public schools, the mayors race and City Council races in a continuing series of citizen forums called Great Expectations: Citizens Voices on Philadelphia's Future.

On April 12, a mayoral candidates forum on education issues will be held at Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, 514 N. Broad St., from 7 to 9 p.m.  The forum will raise questions on a range of issues developed at a citizen forum on Philadelphia public schools held earlier in the month.

In May, Great Expectations will spotlight the Philadelphia City Council races.  Deliberation Days or D-Days will be held in each of the 10 Council districts before the May 15 primary election.  The D-Day events will feature a citizen dialogue about the mayoral campaign and city issues, a straw poll on the mayors race, a straw poll on the casino referendum and a Council candidates forum.  Registration is required to participate and can be done by phone at 215-854-5956 or online at www.fels.upenn.edu/greatexpectations_form.htm.

The full slate of Project on Civic Engagement Great Expectation events can be viewed at www.fels.upenn.edu/greatexpectations.htm.