Christina Johnson: Candidate Profile

Back to Central Unit District 301 School Board

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Unit District 301 School Board Age: 39Family: Husband, JimSon, Jake 10 years old, 4th gradeDaughter, Julia 8 years old, 3rd gradeDaughter, Joselyn 6 years old, KindergartenOccupation: Self-EmployedEducation: -Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College-Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis UniversityCivic involvement: #ERROR!Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I have dedicated my life to children and enriching their growth from a child to an involved and productive adult in the community. As District 301 grows at a rapid pace, it is my goal to make sure that the school board is supporting and nurturing each child's educational journey and development. As a parent of three young children in the district, I have a personal interest in not only their academic journey, but the children who will grow beside them shaping their individuality as they learn and prosper. As a former teacher, I believe my knowledge and experience will help create a long-term vision that provides opportunities for students to reach their fullest potential. It is for these reasons I believe I would be an integral part of the Central District School Board.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?I believe District 301 adequately measures student success.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?I believe the school board should have a limited roll in the direction of the curriculum. Their decisions on certain items can directly affect the students. For example, the middle and high school schedule directly impact the curriculum. Making sure students have a sufficient amount of classes to explore beyond their core subject areas is important for a healthy and fulfilling education. These classes help form students into who they will be someday. In turn, being a vital part of their overall development. When it comes to the curriculum, the school board should have the confidence in their educated staff and listen to their recommendations. Every child learns at different paces and connects to different forms of teaching. Whether it be audible or visual, it is vital that all students needs and challenges are met on a daily basis. We need to make sure we nurture every child. We need to give each child higher expectations and encourage them to succeed. To do this, it is valuable to have cohesive goals across all grade levels and buildings, and to allow all levels to meet and discuss goals and issues. There should be a seamless academic transition from the four elementary schools into sixth grade at Prairie Knolls Middle School. I would also encourage change by integrating more real-life problem solving skills into content area. The importance of this is how a child will deal with real-world problems they may face at home, in group settings or on the job.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?District 301 is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. The budget issues we face as a community is one that addresses insufficient space for not only academics, but extra curricular activities for students. Music, sports and academic clubs offer opportunities not available in the classroom. It is there that students can determine the value of their learning as they share group responsibilities, compete, and share a sense of culture and community. By offering our students these opportunities, they get the chance to engage in real-world context. Being part of a well-rounded education engages students with their school, therefore, decreasing the likelihood of failing. I believe it is crucial to nurture the whole child and it is the school boards job to support them in every developmental capacity. If an increase is needed to support space for student involved learning and activities, I would support a small percentage increase. That being said, I would first evaluate where money is being spent in a non-student contact capacity and begin "trimming the fat" where possible.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?As a school board, we would need to respect the voucher system that is put into place by the Congress or state. I do not believe school choice will play a significant roll in District 301. The demographics are consistent across the boundaries putting socioeconomic status, ethnicity and class size in a non-competitive situation.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?There is currently a lack of communication between the school board and the citizens of the district. The community is often uninformed by many important decisions made until they directly impact the children. I would love to see these barriers crumble and the community and school district work together to create a supportive environment for all students. The school board should take measures to make sure they are in the community listening and engaging in 301 events. I would like to work together and keep the children our ultimate focus. This will help create stronger ties within the community, and in turn, help create a supportive environment for all children.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I believe Oprah is an inspirational leader whom continually encourages growth and development to every individual no matter religion, race or status.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lesson I learned growing up was to work hard. It has allowed me to go through life not fearing difficult tasks.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Honestly, I don't have a "do over". I am very grateful for my life and everything that has led me to where I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math for life! Math is integrated in our daily lives. Whether it is cooking, planning a party or maintaining a budget, math is everywhere!If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Life balance is happiness. Balance work, balance family, balance friendship, balance physical and mental exercise, balance your beliefs and you will find happiness.