Manawa School Board incumbent up for re-election
By Holly Neumann
Joanne Johnson is one of two members up for re-election to the Manawa School Board, and is running unopposed.
“Being a parent of two children currently enrolled in the district I have a big stake in our school,” she said. “I want to continue to be a part of making it a better place.”
Johnson, who was appointed to the Board on Nov. 17, 2014, feels that declining enrollment is the district’s number one concern.
“Open enrollment out of the district is huge and we need to fix it,” she said. “We need to make our school a place where parents want to send their children.”
She believes that the district needs to focus on what they do best and do it even better.
“We need to work with our staff and our students to make our school the best it can be,” she said. “You do that by listening to them and listening to our residents. We have worked very hard to rebuild trust with the staff and that has translated to rebuilding trust in the community.”
Johnson believes that being an open minded and fair person is her strongest asset.
“I relate well to others and enjoy listening to people,” she said. “I am a very optimistic person and I believe that every single person in the district has a voice which deserves to be heard. If you have concerns or suggestions, I want to hear them.”
Johnson, along with her husband and children, reside in Ogdensburg. Together they raise beef cattle and own and operate Outdoor Wood Furnaces.
Elections will take place on Tuesday, April 5.