Politics & Government
School Board Candidate Profile: Wayne Johnson
There are four four-year positions on the District 833 School Board up for election this year, and one two-year term.
The South Washington County School Board has five seats up for election in 2013.
Four members will be elected to four-year terms; one will be elected to fill the vacancy of the two-year term expiring Jan. 4, 2016.
There are 14 people vying for the four-year terms and three candidates for the two-year term. The election is Nov. 5.
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Wayne Johnson, of Cottage Grove, is vying for a four-year term.
Check back on Patch for more candidate profiles.
Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Patch: Why are you running for school board?
Johnson: As a resident of South Washington County and Cottage Grove specifically for over 15 years, I have wanted to be more involved in the community in ways that I believe I could benefit the community.
My employment history working in management and my current ownership of a business have given me the knowledge and the experience in working with others to make decisions based on long-term views.
I do not agree with the decision regarding high school students walking up to two miles. In my opinion this a decision made necessary by a decision to change school times that was made without realizing the ramifications. My goal would be to work with other members and administration to find a way to reverse the two-mile policy.
Patch: What qualifications do you have?
Johnson: I have been in upper management for over 15 years and I currently own my own service business.
I know what it takes to work with customers, employees and vendors in working toward a common goal of success. I believe this knowledge can be used to work with teachers, parents, students and residents of the district. I am currently on the Cottage Grove Planning Commission and was on Community Education Advisory Council for two years.
My spouse Mary Beth worked for Community Education for 10 years and continues to be active in the schools.
Patch: How are you voting on the three ballot questions? Why?
Johnson: I will be voting yes on the three ballot questions.
If elected I will work with other members and the school administration to make decisions with that will benefit the students while reducing the need for more money from residents of South Washing County.
Patch: What is the biggest challenge facing District 833 schools? How would you address it?
Johnson: One of the biggest, if not the biggest, is school population and school boarders.
Development already in progress and in the planning stages will strain East Ridge and other schools if action is not taken. If elected I would work with the cities and the school to make sure we are taking care of the needs of all schools especially regarding population of the schools and the boarders.
Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?
Johnson: Working together we can keep ISD 833 moving forward. You can learn more at www.facebook.com/2is2far.
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