Submitted by Russell L. Johnson
Nassau County School Board Candidate, District 4
What experience do you bring to the job?
“I bring 34 ½ years of Federal service with the Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, years spent on evaluating policies and procedures for fair equity to farmers and ranchers throughout the state of Florida. I also bring integrity, dedication, and professional excellence, and a reputation of living faith-based lifestyle.”
What is your opinion of the textbook selection procedure in place for the NassauCounty School System? Are these procedures acceptable to you? If not, what changes would you make and why?
“I agree that if teachers follow the procedures, which are in place for reviewing a textbook, prior to voting their choice, then a good choice should be made. Like with anything, you must do your homework in order to make an informed decision, especially when it involves a text that will be in place for many years. I think schools should require their teachers to teach from a book before voting their choice. How can you possibly make the best selection without a thorough examination for content, readability and application? Likewise, the county review team, which consists of members of the school board, community, and business partners, must also conduct a thorough review so that their concerns, if any, can be addressed.”
In reviewing the Nassau county school budget, what specific cost savings measures have you identified and/or what specific areas do you believe are under funded?
“I believe one cost saving measure could be to contract with companies to provide consolidated printing. This would relieve schools of the thousands of dollars they spend individually, where it could be handled easily in bulk, saving on ink, paper, and maintenance.”
Editor’s Note: At the request of many of our readers, the Fernandina Observer submitted a list of five questions to school board candidates. Since the election is almost upon us, we will post three answers today, and the remainder next Thursday for your review.
The Fernandina Observer is not endorsing any candidate. Our goal is to inform and educate our readership. District 2 candidates are Gail Cook and John Pulice, and District 4 candidates are Kimberly Fahlgren and Russell Johnson.
October 11, 2012 7:00 a.m.