Todd Johnson PSSD Trustee Candidate - Subdivision Six (Moose Jaw)

1. Why have you chosen to run for a school board trustee?

I believe giving my time back and serving others can make a difference in the lives of people in my community. I want to be able to serve the students, parents, staff and administration. I will incorporate the parents' point of view, as I have had one son graduate and two children currently attending Ecole Palliser Heights. The decision-making lens I will use will be as a parent knowing that my children and others could be affected. I want to be the parents' voice on the Board of Trustees.

2. What qualifications do you bring to the board if elected - these may include degrees etc but also life lessons as well?

Born and raised in Moose Jaw I have chosen to raise my family here as well. I have volunteered in local schools for many years. I was a member and chair for several years of the Peacock Collegiate SCC, basketball coach in multiple schools in Moose Jaw over the last 30 years, and have led other groups to support schools and the children of Moose Jaw. I have a strong business education and am currently General Manager of Wakamow Valley Authority.  I have 3 (three) diplomas in Human Resources, Administration, and Marketing from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.  I also earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Regina.

3. Why should people vote for you?

I will incorporate the parents' point of view, as I have had one son graduate and two children currently attending Ecole Palliser Heights. The decision-making lens I will use will be as a parent knowing that my children and others could be affected. I want to be the parents' voice on the Board of Trustees.
 
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge in education today?

The current challenge in education is COVID-19 and how it effects the health of student, staff, and administration in our schools.  The delivery of curriculum and the many different ways that can be  impacted by the challenges of the pandemic.  I also believe an ongoing challenge present in education is ensuring we are able to have a workforce that is educated and qualified and representative of the students' we are serving.  This means we must focus our efforts to ensure that our children receive education and support along with a balance of diversity in the classroom that reflects what they see in our communities.

5. Schools are changing with a very diverse student body - such as those of different races, languages, cultures, disabilities, sexual orientation, varying faiths, economic standing and others - how would you make the school system better so that everyone had not just the same opportunity but a fair and equitable opportunity to reach their full potential?

I want to support ongoing efforts in a more inclusive division, ensuring that we invite and make space for each group to participate.  Each group has to know they are welcome and we must celebrate diversity in our cultures and build on our successes. 

6. What role do you see a school trustee playing in today's educational system?

I think being part of the team that is putting my best effort into each topic that will be discussed at the board table, which means I need to be prepared and knowledgeable, doing research and engaging with our subject matter experts.  Getting out and participating in as many Prairie South Schools activities as possible.  Making sure as a Trustee I listen to the experts that are doing the job so I can make informed discussions. 

7. As a trustee you are elected in a specified district but in reality you are a trustee at large and represent students throughout the division. Can you tell me if you are a rural trustee how would you represent an urban resident or on the other side of the coin if you are an urban trustee how would you represent a rural resident?

Many of my family members have graduated and still attend Prairie South schools our rural areas.  Having grown up in Moose Jaw, raising my family here and children attending school in the urban location bring some balance to my perspective.  Each school has aspects that need to be celebrated and shared, challenges that both urban and rural schools have are unique and similar in many ways.  Learning from one another as well as celebrating success' is important as we work together as one team.

8. Moose Jaw is in the midst of building a new school on South Hill. Although it is a big accomplishment there has been concerns raised by some residents on various issues regarding the new school. Can you tell me how would you work with the community to ally those fears?

I believe the way to reduce residents concerns is through communication.  The school division must communicate all aspects of the project as they are available and invite feedback.  I believe our community wants to see this project be successful and the division has already received valuable input on this project.  While I recognize some negotiations require information to be not shared until they are finalized, but the sooner information is shared the sooner people can support the project in my experience.

9. What would you like the students to say about their time at school?

I would  hope the students would say, "I had the tools and support I needed to be successful