Paula Johnson, Nashua Board Of Education Candidate

Paula Johnson

Age (as of Election Day)

70

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Board of Education

Party Affiliation

Republican (local elections are non-partisan)

Family

Husband James (75), three grown children 41, 38, 33 and three grandchildren 4,3,2

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

High school, some college and 3 licenses

Occupation

Sales

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Board of Education: 2000-2001
Board of Aldermen (Alderman-at-Large) 2002-2005
State Representative – 2005-2006
Board of Education 2020 to Current

Campaign website

Facebook - Paula Johnson for Board of Education

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for re-election because of the upcoming redistricting of the Nashua School District. I wish to continue to represent best interest of the students by continuing to oversee the costs. Mt. Pleasant school needs to be reviewed and if not able to be maintained, I wish to consider using the building in effective or alternative ways. I am highly experienced and will ask tough questions to keep costs and education of quality. With the student enrollment decreasing, we must review all schools and evaluate any future consolidation plans (see the redistricting report from Mr. Preston Smith @ Nashua.edu who was hired to study and help the district in this difficult task).

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Redistricting, shortage of teachers, and decreasing student population. Research, open discussion amongst all, teacher and administration input, and hear parental/student needs.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have served for 4 years and have experience on this board not just this past year but prior years 2000-2001. I have seen roofs collapse in the past and a pandemic. I fought to bring our students back into school and into our classrooms. I worked with the Board already regarding the redistricting of the middle school.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Backs to basics, more intense focus on core subjects, fiscal accountability, parental rights. I voted against busing younger students a lengthy distance to the New Middle school.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Devised a plan to graduate our students in 2020 outdoors using Stellos and Holman Stadiums. 2020 – seniors started graduating outdoors at Stellos Stadiums.
Worked to send our students back to their classrooms vs. remote learning and alternative ways.
Enforced PARENTAL RIGHTS
Evaluated younger student’s ability to travel to the new middle school.
Voted against closing Mount Pleasant Elementary school at this time in order to review pros and cons of major change.
Voted to hold off redistricting elementary schools for another 1-2 years for more comprehensive planning and public input.
Inquired/demanded intensive outline of costs for renovations of schools and especially Mount Pleasant.
Continue to research plans in other districts and look at models for successful education, facilities management and safety planning.
Fiscal accountability.
Fought to have SANALIFE air purification system in the schools and to be up-to-date on health standards and wellbeing.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Respect your elders, respect your constituents and be polite and smile. Maintain and plan well for safety of all.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am always ready to roll up my selves and work hard for our students in the district. I listen to ALL sides of the argument and vote based on what I have heard and researched. I'm always available by a phone call or text which is the best way to contact me.

“STUDENT FIRST AND FIRST STUDENT”

I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7TH FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION