10/17/2024
I had someone ask me to answer this Questionnaire so I did. :)
1. Name and Office:
My name is Nora Johnston, and I am running for the Evergreen school board to ensure our schools are managed responsibly and reflect the values of freedom, individual rights, and community control.
2. Three Most Pressing Issues:
(1) Parental Rights and Transparency:
Parents deserve to know what their children are being taught and how they are being guided in their development. I am committed to ensuring full transparency, especially on sensitive issues like curriculum content and student welfare. If elected, I will work to strengthen parental rights and make sure parents are informed of any major decisions affecting their children.
Education Standards See #2.
See #3.
(2) School Choice and Educational Freedom:
California’s public school system is underperforming in many areas. Even Evergreen, one of the better in the state, has a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, with only 39% math proficiency and 53% reading proficiency. Families should have the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. I support expanding charter schools and implementing voucher systems to give parents more control and increase competition, leading to better results.
(Information according to https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/california/evergreen-middle-273469)
(3) Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability:
Our district's budget must be handled responsibly. I am committed to cutting wasteful spending and ensuring that taxpayer dollars go directly to improving the quality of education, not to bloated administrative costs. I will push for efficiency and transparency in how school funds are allocated.
3. Transgender Bathrooms:
I oppose the push for transgender bathrooms in schools because I believe schools should maintain privacy and safety for all students. Policies should reflect biological realities and respect privacy, particularly in restrooms and locker rooms, where intimate spaces should be reserved for individuals based on biological s*x.
4. Parental Notification of Pronouns and Gender Transitions:
I oppose any law or policy that allows schools to withhold information from parents regarding their child’s pronouns or decisions to transition. Parents should be fully informed about their child’s well-being and any major changes in their identity, especially when it involves life-altering decisions.
5. School Dropout Problem:
To combat dropout rates, we need to refocus on engaging students with real-world skills and vocational training. Not every student needs to go to college; we should provide multiple pathways to success, whether through trades, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce.
6. Curriculum and Book Reviews:
Absolutely. Parents have the right to review what is being taught in schools, including curriculum and library books. I believe in full transparency and will push for policies that give parents direct access to what is being presented to their children.
7. Charter Schools and School Choice:
I strongly favor expanding charter schools and supporting school choice. Competition drives innovation and improvement, and parents should have the ability to choose the best educational fit for their children. I also support a voucher system to give parents greater freedom in selecting schools, whether public, private, or charter.
8. Local Control:
Yes, I am committed to standing up to state overreach. Local communities know best how to educate their children, not bureaucrats in Sacramento. I will oppose mandates from the state that infringe on local control and work to preserve the autonomy of our district.
9. Religious Celebrations and Music:
I support allowing celebrations of religious holidays and religious music in school programs, as long as they reflect the diverse faiths of the community. Students should have the freedom to express their religious traditions, and schools should respect those values in holiday celebrations.
The phrase "separation of church and state," coined by Thomas Jefferson in his 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists, is often misquoted. It referred to the state’s interference in religious activities. Please see the full text below, along with the original papers, which are not part of the Constitution. (Letters between Thomas Jefferson and the Danbury Baptists Full Text: Link)
10. Alternatives to Evolution in Science:
I believe schools should present students with a broad understanding of various perspectives. While evolution is a well-established theory, alternatives like Intelligent Design should also be introduced, allowing students to critically evaluate different viewpoints. Teachers should have the freedom to explore these discussions as part of a balanced science curriculum, without adding personal bias.
11. Taxes, Fees, and Bonds:
I oppose new taxes, fees, or bonds that burden taxpayers unnecessarily. The priority should be ensuring current funds are used efficiently, not continually asking for more money without accountability.
12. Homeschooling:
I fully support homeschooling as a valid educational choice and have based my campaign on being a stay-at-home parent and educator. I home-school my children and believe it is the best option for families that can provide for it. Parents who choose to educate their children at home should be supported, not hindered, by the state. After prayer and careful consideration, I decided to run for this position at the request of other parents, despite initially being reluctant.
13. National Politician I Admire:
I admire Ron Paul for his consistent defense of individual liberty, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. His dedication to protecting personal freedoms serves as a model for how I approach local governance.
14. Critical Race Theory (CRT):
Critical Race Theory is, in my view, a divisive ideology that undermines national unity. I oppose its teaching in public schools. Our students should be taught to see each other as individuals, not through the lens of race or victimhood.
15. Transgender Boys in Girls' Sports:
I oppose transgender boys (biological males) competing in girls’ sports and using girls' locker rooms. This is unfair to female athletes and undermines competitive fairness. Biological differences matter, and we need to protect women’s sports.
16. Teaching Values:
Teachers should focus on teaching subject matter, not imposing personal values or political ideologies. Schools are places for education, not indoctrination. Moral and value-based instruction should come primarily from parents.
17. Final Control Over Education:
Parents should have the final say over the content of their child’s education, including the books they read and the values taught. Schools serve families and the community, not the other way around. School choice allows parents to decide what school best serves their children, which benefits everyone.
18. Absolute Truth:
Yes, I believe in absolute truth. For me, truth stems from a combination of natural law, reason, and, for many, faith. Without an acknowledgment of objective truths, society risks falling into moral relativism and confusion.
https://craighuey.com/questionnaire_for_school_board/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF9Ym1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHY5sVc_xROQFvNCqB3Remacw59e7kjE_l5uAvNVImLT5ZhtWkTC6UKXIXA_aem_eplIMR88QJ1k5on0wgwhPQ
Craig Huey evaluates candidates for office based on questionnaires. This questionnaire is designed for school board or local district trustees.
