Why are you running for school board?
As a proud product of Capital School District, I understand firsthand the transformative power of public education. My 28-year career, from math teacher to education policy leader, gives me unique insights into effective school governance. Having served in education leadership at the school, district, state, and national levels, I understand education from policy to implementation to impact. My strengths include deep policy knowledge, convening and engaging stakeholders, and a commitment to educational excellence for all.
How will you use your experience and background to approach your role as a member of the school board?
I bring a unique combination of classroom insight, strategic vision, and experience with education across the country. This enables me to share best practices that can be adapted to help improve education here.
I have worked with policy leaders, business leaders, community advocates, educators, and parents with very diverse opinions and viewpoints, but it all has helped me value the importance of partnership and stakeholder engagement throughout the process of change.
My career reflects an unwavering dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for all students and a commitment to elevating not only the voice of educators but also those of students.
If you had to pick one, which do you believe is more important for achieving higher academic achievement: greater fnding or better reforms?
Greater Funding alone does not result in higher academic achievement, however in order to implement evidence-based practices which have demonstrated success at increasing achievement such as implementing curricula aligned with the Science of Reading it does require adequate funding to implement these initiatives and provide the training and supports to do so with fidelity. Simply put you cannot increase and sustain academic achievement without a combination of reform and adequate funding.
Name 1 or 2 changes or policies you will support that will raise the academic achievement of all students in your district?
Strategic investments in evidence-based practices proven to boost student achievement.
1) Ensure high-quality instructional materials are supported by aligned formative/interim assessments that help teachers identify and address learning gaps promptly.
2) Continuation and expansion of high-impact tutoring initiatives that provide targeted support for struggling students. Research consistently shows significant learning gains from these personalized interventions.
3) Expanding the science of reading instructional strategies to include numeracy components, applying similar evidence-based approaches to mathematics instruction.
4) Decrease classroom disciplinary disruptions and restrict cellular device distractions
What changes should be made at schools to make the classroom a more effective environment for maximizing learning and instruction (teaching)?
Data from a July 2024 DSEA survey illustrates the extreme levels of disruption in our classrooms.
Teachers deserve classrooms where they can teach effectively, and students deserve appropriate consequences that help them learn from their mistakes. Often, disruptive behavior is indicative of disengaged learners. We can reduce classroom disruptions while also breaking cycles of problematic behavior through thoughtful intervention. This fosters a school environment where behavioral expectations are clear, consequences are fair and consistent, and we invest in understanding and addressing the underlying factors contributing to behavioral issues. This approach maintains order while giving students supports they need to succeed.
Many educators say that not all parents are engaged enough with their children's education. How can the school board create policies that help forge a closer relationship and involvement among parents, their children and educators?
We must develop new ways of engaging families and community partners.
1) Regularly conduct a school climate and satisfaction survey of students, staff, and families in order to have actionable data to inform policy and resource allocation/funding decisions
2) I will regularly host events in the community where I will gather feedback, suggestions and talk with Capital residents about what they are experiencing within our schools and how we can improve
3) Improve how data is presented publicly as well as how student progress and achievement data is provided to families along with resources available to support their student’s success
Recent federal executive orders for K-12 schools prohibit schools from promoting gender and radical ideologies. Another order prohibits boys from girls' sports and restrooms. If schools don't comply, they could risk federal funding.
How do you believe the school board should respond to these orders?
As a board member, I will ensure our district follows all state & federal laws regarding non-discrimination and equal access. There is no place for discrimination in school. Our policies must protect all students while also respecting the diverse perspectives within our community.
Our schools must be places where students and staff feel welcome and included to participate in all aspects of the learning and school community. This creates the positive educational environment necessary for all students to thrive.
Our goal should always be to create schools where every student has the opportunity to succeed and develop to their full potential.
Donna also has a campaign Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/groups/DonnaJohnsonGeistforCapitalSchoolBoard