An incumbent Albert Lea School Board member has several items she wants to address  if she is elected to another term.

Julie Johnson, 48, of 205 Ridge Road said the board must rebuilt relationships and trust with community members.

“I have watched that erode, particularly since the balanced-calendar process two years ago,” Johnson said. “I feel mending fences should be a high priority, so the community has confidence and trust in the board again.”

Johnson said the district is losing excellent teachers and staff.

“The reasons that cause employees to leave are many, but I have been repeatedly told by teachers and staff who were very rooted in our community that they left because they did not feel they had a meaningful voice in decision making,” Johnson said. “They did not feel appreciated, and that the working environment and the overall climate and culture in the district was of fear and intimidation.”

Johnson said the district must meet its goals set for student achievement.

“While we have made gains and seen student growth in a lot of areas, our test scores show we’re still behind state averages in many areas, and in comparison to some of our Big Nine counterparts, such as the Mankato School District,” she said.

Johnson said there are a number of positive initiatives the district has undertaken, such as the College in the Schools program, Advanced Placement courses, technical-education classes, the Youth Apprenticeship Program, preschool programming, co-curricular activities, HVAC system upgrades and the district’s Chromebook initiative.

“But the best thing by far is the number of talented students we have in our district,” she said. “I am so proud of their many talents, achievements and contributions.”

She thanked administrators for making the the positive initiatives happen, and for setting up the district in a good financial situation.

Attracting and retaining teachers

Johnson said the district needs to create a welcoming and supportive environment for teachers.

“New teachers need mentoring and support from their supervisor, veteran teachers and administration,” she said. “Employees need to feel that they are valued, appreciated and they have a say in the decision making of the district.”

Johnson thinks opportunities for professional growth and achievement and competitive pay and benefits are needed, adding that the district faces external difficulties in retaining teachers, such as lack of housing, limited employment opportunities for the teacher’s spouse, limited cultural and social opportunities and a lack of economic growth.

Reaching out to constituents

Johnson said she is known for being approachable, a good listener and trustworthy as a board member.

“I will continue to make myself available to the public through all means of communication,” she said. “Just ask my family, and they will tell you I am always on duty, which they do not always appreciate.”

Constituents and students are at the forefront of every decision she makes as a board member, she said, and she promised to make time to hear what is important to families, students, employees and community members.

“And when I make a commitment, you can count on me to follow through on my word,” she said.  “My vote on the balanced-calendar proposal showed I’m a board member who keeps my word and commitment to the community.”

Board decorum

Johnson suggested the board become united by mutual respect, setting ground rules and expectations and following through on them.

“Every board member deserves to be treated equally with respect and professionalism,” she  said. “I would also like to explore a more collaborative board management model, because our current governance model isn’t working well right now.”

Johnson thinks the board’s decisions affect students and employees.

“We are role models, and that comes with great responsibility,” she said. “We should be conducting our business professionally and from a place of mutual respect. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been happening at the board table in recent months.”

Other issues

Johnson said as an Albert Lea native, she is rooted and invested in the community.

“I have 12 years of experience working in education; 11 years working in baking; over 10 years of experience working in human resources; and now four years of experience as a school board member,” she said. “I think my experiences set me apart from the other candidates for school board and makes me a valuable asset to our district and board.”

Johnson, who is married and has two children — one a 2012 Albert Lea High School graduate — said she is known as a board member for her common-sense approach, being approachable, her professionalism and for being dedicated to doing the right thing.

Reasons for running

Johnson said as a parent, she is involved with the district and cares deeply about students receiving an education in the district, adding that she believes in the importance of a high-quality education.

She said her experience in education has shown her that education creates a pathway to self-sufficiency, growth, learning, success and opening doors of opportunity.

“The other reason I am running again is because I think it is important to be willing to step up and serve my community, and become part of the solution in making our district and community great,” she said.