Hey, look who the Arizona Republic recommended for the Higley School board
Yep, you got it — the fine folks over at the Arizona Republic recommended Geoff Johnston for the board. They also recommended Denise Standage and Greg Land. Here is the link to the article and the paragraph about me:
The same goes for Johnston, a political newcomer and concerned parent who wants to make a difference by tapping parent and teacher groups to improve communication. He understands that boosting parent satisfaction starts at the top and trickles down to teachers, students and parents.
It is an interesting mix they recommend. It sounds like they would like to see some differing or even opposing views on the board and that is why they are recommending the incumbent, Standage. See my opinions on the candidates here.
Peggy:
I find it strange that the Republic backs Standage as a candidate for school board. Since Standage chooses to homeschool her children, why should I vote for her to make educational decisions for my public school students when she doesn’t trust the public school enough for her own children?
Standage has been given 4 years to make a positive difference in HUSD, but from the board meetings I’ve attended, she appears to lack the knowledge and understanding of how a school district runs/or should run.
As a community member and parent, I have not seen nearly enough emphasis put toward our children or our teachers. Standage is not the only board member who has failed to meet my expectations for holding the current administration accountable.
October 15, 2008, 2:23 amHowever, my hope is that a new board will be voted in, and my support is for Land, Howell, and Johnston.
Geoff Johnston:
The choice of Standage by the Republic was surprising to me as well Peggy. I agree with your general take on the subject. Thanks for your support.
October 16, 2008, 7:09 pmKatie:
I also wanted to recall a situation I witnessed at the infamous “Mob” board meeting last spring. There were many upset teachers there simply voicing concerns. I also saw members of the upper district office approaching district office staff members asking what they were doing there. It didn’t dawn on me at the time but at the following meeting I saw it again. It seemed funny that these staff members were treated as though they should not be there. When asking if that was normal, I was told they had every right to attend as residence of the district, however lately, I have seen less and less district employees in attendance. It makes me wonder if they were reprimanded.
October 16, 2008, 7:48 pmMonica:
Whether the “District” wants to hear it or not, many, many people are waiting with held breath for new board members to be voted in. Those in the community that I live in know who is running and they are voting.
A raise for the current Superintendant would be such a bad idea.
October 17, 2008, 2:13 pmGeoff Johnston:
I get the feeling that the District doesn’t want to hear it. But the public schools belong to the public and the way the public can change things is by voting in board members that create the needed changes. I very much appreciate your support Monica and I know Greg and Paul appreciate the support they are receiving too.
October 17, 2008, 3:23 pmMonica:
The most frustrating thing to me is that I started out supportive of them. The public WANTS to support them. Unfortunately, THEY have created an “us and them” feeling in this district. People are simply tired of it. We want our teachers to be happy to come to work each day because that, in turn, helps our children. Good luck! My ballot goes in the mail today!
October 18, 2008, 7:31 amCheryl:
Just voted for all of you men!!! Go get em! We need change and we need it now! I am tired of the superiority of the board and Dr. Lutrey. (wait, can we call her that now?) It is time to put our kids, teachers and parents first. Thank you so much for caring enough to run for office and you have our full support!
October 21, 2008, 5:38 pmGeoff Johnston:
Thanks for the votes Cheryl. Hopefully word will get out sufficiently on this important election decision. Most voters spend all sorts of mental energy on presidential choices but the votes that make the biggest impact in our lives (and home values) are usually near the bottom of the ballot on things like the school board candidates and the school budget increase.
October 21, 2008, 10:03 pm