Brandon Johnson seeks re-election to Greene County Board of Education
Brandon Johnson, a 28-year-old resident of Snow Hill, is running for re-election to the Greene County Board of Education. A lifelong resident of Greene County, Johnson has served on the board since 2020, when he was elected as the youngest official in the county’s history. He now seeks to continue his work as a board member, emphasizing his commitment to school safety, equitable education, and teacher support.
Johnson, who works as a special agent in law enforcement for the state of North Carolina, describes his background in public safety as a key factor in his decision to run for office. “My background in law enforcement has been a driving force behind my decision to pursue public office,” Johnson said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical importance of having strong, responsive leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all citizens.”
One of Johnson’s primary goals if re-elected is to enhance safety measures in Greene County’s schools. He plans to implement improved crisis response protocols and increase collaboration between law enforcement and educators. “I am determined to work tirelessly to enhance security measures, improve crisis response protocols, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration between law enforcement, educators, and the broader community,” he said.
Johnson’s candidacy also focuses on addressing the longstanding achievement gaps between students from different racial, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds. He advocates for targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation to ensure that all students, especially those from historically underserved communities, have access to quality education. “Targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation are needed to ensure that historically underserved communities have access to high-quality learning opportunities, experienced teachers, up-to-date technology, and enrichment programs,” Johnson explained.
Another significant issue Johnson aims to address is the need for better compensation for educators. He emphasizes that educators are central to the success of the school system, and they need to be supported in their roles. “I intend to be a fierce advocate for our educators, fighting to secure better pay, benefits, and professional development opportunities,” Johnson stated. He believes that providing teachers with the necessary resources and reducing administrative burdens will allow them to focus more on educating and inspiring students.
Mental health is also a concern for Johnson. He notes that both students and staff need more resources to address mental health challenges. Johnson plans to make mental health services more accessible within the schools and provide greater support for students with disabilities. He highlighted the underfunding of programs for disabled students as an area that requires attention.
Throughout his term on the Board of Education, Johnson has maintained an open-door policy, ensuring that teachers, parents, and community members can communicate directly with him. He believes transparency is crucial in decision-making processes and encourages more community-oriented events to foster collaboration. Johnson’s vision for Greene County Schools is rooted in open communication and problem-solving.
In terms of his approach to governance, Johnson strives to set aside political affiliations to focus on what is best for the students, staff, and families of Greene County. “Party affiliation has no place when dealing with problems within our district,” Johnson explained. “I will strive to ensure that, regardless of party affiliation, there will always be fair and equal opportunity in decision-making.”
As Johnson looks to the future, he aims to balance short-term and long-term goals for the school system. While he plans to address immediate needs on an annual basis, he is also thinking strategically about the district’s development over the next decade. “Long-term goals will be more complex as they cover multi-year projects and financial strategies to overcome needs-based projects,” Johnson said.
Reflecting on his life experiences, including the loss of his mother when he was 17, Johnson believes his personal hardships have shaped his commitment to public service. “Losing my mother at the age of seventeen was my greatest hardship, yet it forged my commitment to help others navigate their struggles,” he said.
Johnson’s campaign centers around the idea that strong, collaborative leadership can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, educators, and the broader community. “Through open and transparent communication, collaborative problem-solving, and an unwavering dedication to the public good, I am confident that we can work together to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all,” he concluded.
North Carolina will hold its general election on Nov. 5th with in-person early voting beginning on October 17th. Neuse News will live stream the 2024 Election Results on Facebook starting at 7:15 pm.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
