Jessica Johnson

The most important role of the APS Board is to hire and manage superintendent that will advance equitable policies and implement processes that ensure all students are prepared for college and/or careers.

No

Yes. In-School: Federal TRIO Advisor (full-time) providing college access supports to high school students

First, I've had the opportunity to serve Atlanta Public Schools counselors and students for over 15 year, and I have a solid familiarity with both the strengths and opportunities throughout the District. As a member of the APS equity committee I utilized the equity audit report to help draft the District's first draft of the equity policy that was approved by the Board. I have solid previous board governance experience, as the chair of the Fulton County Office of Workforce Development's Youth Council, where directed funding for students to receive training in high-demand careers.

I also lead an educational nonprofit that is laser-focused on positioning thousands of students to enroll in college, and has helped students claim over $60 million in private aid. I bring to the Board role my expertise in federal budget management/compliance, best practices in college access, critical managerial and organizational development skillsets, and a genuine heart for supporting young people.

As a third generation educator, I grew up with the concept that education was truly a ""community affair."" My family viewed it as their personal/professional responsibilities to help students in close the gaps in their academic achievement, and I witnessed my parents advocate for equitable resources for their students daily.

Perhaps the most impactful "lived experience" for me was my own mother's lawsuit against the school District for unfair employment practices. For someone who had given so much to the schools (often out of her own pocket), and helped advance/revolutionize the District-wide art department through her advocacy, it was difficult to witness her work be devalued. I take this memory with me into my current role, as I voted for higher teacher pay, and emphasize the importance of teacher retention and supports. I hope to use my role on the budget commission to advocate for initiatives such as teacher innovation funds.

Andy Stanley - “Visioneering”

First and foremost, we have to increase the grade level reading proficiency of our students. We cannot rest until 100% of our students are reading on grade level. Second, and this is not second to the first goal, but a part of it, we have to do better in serving our students with disabilities. This is a challenge before us and an area about which I am very concerned. I believe every child, regardless of where they live or ability level, deserves a high quality education that prepares them to reach their full potential.

1) Experience increasing reading and math scores

2) Experience in a similar size (or larger) system

3) Experience driving equity through a diverse system

1) 3rd grade reading and math proficiency scores

2) Teacher retention, especially in the areas of students with disabilities

3) Graduation rates across all clusters

We have to make a significant investment in our literacy work in order to see tangible student outcomes. Last year, only $1.2 million of our budget was allocated to literacy initiatives, and that simply is not enough. As I look at what has worked in other Districts that have already made a definitive shift to the "Science of Reading", we have to increase spending on the hiring of literacy specialists to serve every school in the District, and the professional development to retrain all English/Language Arts teachers across the District.

Part of the funding would come from redirecting resources from areas that are not centered on student performance. Additional resources could also be identified as we thoroughly assess the ""Return on Investment"" from external contracts and make necessary adjustments.

First, I would take into account whether it's something that the affected community is interested in. Secondly, I would take into account its impact.

Our Restorative Practices policy is an area where the Board, Administration and Leadership Cabinet are collectively leaning in to improve based on historical gaps in student discipline experiences. The District has made some positive steps in terms of developing the ACES tool for administrators to have access to data to determine biased discipline practices against students of color, but it is currently not a requirement to use. As a current member of the Audit Committee, we are preparing for an upcoming full audit of our student disciplines practices, and we have requested Administrative presence to discuss continuous improvements.

Our policy for Critical Race Theory, which allowed flexibility for schools to determine the appropriate curriculum content to share with their students, was definitely a step in the right direction. The language of the policy, along with the bold statement from the Board which outlined its commitment to maintaining the importance of diversity in education, empowered our teachers to truly lead their classrooms.

I would like to engage in the Board in strengthen our relationships with the business community, particularly within clusters with lower family engagement so that:

We can meet funding needs from private sector financial support rather than increasing taxes

We can create internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students

We can implement best practices from other industries that help us reach our goals in education.

In line with my current Board service, I will continue regular open forums, town hall meetings, and community outreach programs to solicit input and concerns from our constituents. I will maintain an active online presence through social media and via newsletter, where constituents can easily access information, share their thoughts, and stay informed about board decisions.

I will also make it a priority to visit schools and interact with teachers, students, and administrators to gain a firsthand understanding of their needs and challenges. This personal engagement will help me make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.

I think we do a lot currently to be transparent, but there is space for more. I would like to have school board meetings in locations throughout the city to make it easier for stakeholders to engage. I want us to continue hybrid (in person and virtual) meetings so that more people can participate and see the process. The information is there, but it is too hard to access. I want to make sure that people can find information about what the Board is doing in as few steps/clicks as possible. We need to push out information via text and email by expanding on the parental notification system.

Equity, in the schools context, is when every student can achieve a baseline of academic success because they have access to the specific (think customized) tools and resources they need to reach that level.

I have been open and loud about my belief that a student’s zip code should not determine their chance of success within and beyond APS. In my short time of my Board appointment, I have already leaned into this work, requesting an Equity Impact Assessment be completed for our advanced course offerings across the District

I believe we must work with our cluster leaders to help with goal setting and then directing the resources they need to achieve the goals for their cluster as we elevate the overall system.