John Johnson: School Board Candidate Q&A
(D). I am a 16 year Pike County resident and father of 3 DV students with a Masters in psychology, and a licensed and board certified behavior analyst with over 21 years of experience in the field of mental health. I specialize in helping those with autism, developmental disabilities, and mental health needs reach their full potential; have led departments, presented at national conferences, and found money for needed programs.
1. Should kids be required to wear masks unless they show a medical exemption?
Yes. We should follow the guidance of the CDC and the Department of Health, as they are the experts and set the health policies and laws. As someone working with individuals with varying disabilities and compromised immune systems for over 21 years, I understand that there will always be a need for medical exemptions and will work to make sure that those that qualify for exemptions get them.
2. Do you think kids are getting too much screen time at school? Explain.
Technology is an expanding part of our world. Utilizing technology is a skill children must obtain to be competitive in the workforce. Each student is different. I put trust in teachers to understand the appropriate amount of screen time needed. Teachers at DV are experts, my responsibility as a board member is to support them and ensure that they have the resources needed. Screen time usage during non-school hours should be decided by parents.
3. How can we bring peace back to our teachers and parents?
We need to bring a balance of ideas and views back to the school board so more community members feel encouraged to attend school board meetings. We also need to address the concerns of teachers, students and parents instead of frequently tabling topics. Maintaining a safe, consistent, and supportive school environment would also bring peace to the teachers, students and parents and enable us to keep our focus on education.
4. How do we teach our kids what it means to be responsible members of the community?
In civics class I was taught to put community needs ahead of personal wants and to think about our responsibilities to our country and fellow citizens. We need to foster that sense of community and responsibility in our actions, as well as educate our students on laws and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. To quote JFK: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
5. Should schools stick to teaching the standard academic curriculum as it currently exists and leave the rest to parents?
BOE members do not develop curriculum, they vote yes or no on curriculum. Individual states determine what is allowed to be taught. It is the responsibility of the head of curriculum development to make these decisions based on input from our educators. These individuals are all professionals, who have devoted their careers to education. They are best poised to make these decisions. Parents are well within their rights to teach additional curriculum outside of school hours.