Schools

Meet School Board Candidate Christine Johnson, Who Works With the Mentally Ill

Three seats are contested in the Nov. 5 St. Louis Park School Board election. Learn about the candidates and make an informed vote.

Next week, St. Louis Park voters will be able to weigh in on three open four-year seats on the school board.

The election will be held Nov. 5. All school board seats are at-large, meaning the entire school district will be able to vote for each seat.

Board chair Bruce Richardson and former chair Jim Yarosh are both seeking re-election. Christine Johnson, Karen Waters and Jim Beneke are also looking to join the board. (Board member Ken Morrison will run unopposed for a two-year seat.)

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Today, we meet Johnson, a foster and adoptive parent with experience volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters and at Aquila Elementary.

Occupation: Ramsey County ACT Team Case Manager

Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Which neighborhood do you live in? Willow Park

Website, Facebook page or other contact information: johnsonc302@gmail.com

What unique perspective, experience or expertise would you bring to the school board? 

I am a foster parent and an adoptive parent. I have volunteered for the Big Brother and Big Sisters school-based program. I mentored a girl for six years in Minneapolis school district. I have board experience. I was on the Vail Place board of directors and currently serve on the Homes Within Reach Board of Directors. I have helped out in my son's classroom at Aquila Elementary School. I am committed to advocating for all kids as demonstrated by being a mentor and foster parent. I would also bring the experience of being on a board of directors.

What are the top challenges facing the St. Louis Park School Board? 

I feel one of the challenges is the achievement gap. I am committed to finding a solution as my children are children of color. This is concerning to me and we do need to find a solution.

I think another challenge we face is light rail/freight rail. We need to stick to what we feel is right and continue to work with Met Council to find a reasonable option.

Also if the three referendums don't get approval, we will need to be creative to continue to meet the needs of the students and teachers. I would see that we continue providing a good quality education.

Continuing with the anti-bullying task force is important to help our children feel safe at school. Providing education to student about the effects of bullying on fellow students. I believe this needs to starts as early as a child enters school.

What role does a school board member play in helping raise academic achievement for all students and close the achievement gap?

If I were elected to the School Board, I would make it a priority to find a solution to this problem. I feel if I were a board member I owe it to all students to find a way to help everyone excel to the best of their abilities. I have some ideas and thoughts on how to address this problem, but I would need to look at what has already been done.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here