I am Peggy Johnson, a lifetime resident of Rush City and a 1980 RCHS graduate. I have attended the U of M, small business classes, many vocational and personal development seminars, and training as a personal development facilitator.

I am self-employed. One of our businesses is now custom laser engraved woodworking. I am also the general contractor for our new log home that our family is providing our own sweat equity to build.

I am married to Peter and we farm northeast of Rush City. We have five children, ages 12 to 22. Our oldest is Elise, 2002 RCHS Class Valedictorian, currently a senior at Iowa State University in Meteorological Research. Britta, a 2003 RCHS honor graduate, is a junior at Simpson College in Sports Administration. Kayla is a senior and Zachariah is a junior at RCHS. And our youngest, Isaac, is a sixth grader at Jacobson Elementary.

1. I am running for school board because I care about the educational opportunities we are providing our young people while under tough budget restraints. Ten years ago when I was telling my daughters that they each could make a difference in what they do, I made a promise to them that I would run for the school board. I may have been delayed ten years by health challenges and a burned out home, but those experiences have provided great creative learning opportunities that help me be prepared to serve.

2. The school board and its members have a great responsibility to the districts students, parents, employees, administration, residents and taxpayers, for providing educational opportunities in appropriate facilities and environment in a financially prudent manner.

I believe in doing my best and will commit the time necessary to be an effective school board member.

3. The Rush City School District is a strong and integral part of our community. I see the district becoming a leader in its programs and creative approaches in funding.

4. I think it is absolutely critical to seek feedback from our graduates on how their school experience prepared them for college or the workplace and also from businesses that employ our graduates. Only by receiving that feedback can we analyze our school systemís performance in providing the necessary skills in ìreal worldî terms.

I believe that only through a unified effort from family, school system, and community can we raise responsible young people prepared for the realities of life. The school system is in a position to encourage and facilitate the utilization of community volunteers, mentors, and businesses to help fulfill those goals.

5. The Rush City School Districtís greatest asset is its support from the community. As a direct result, our students have great facilities in which to learn from our dedicated teachers. Our high school students have access to college classes without even leaving our school building. When so many schools have had to cut extra- curricular activities, Rush City has been able to keep these valuable programs that develop teamwork and leadership skills, build confidence, creativity, and community pride.

6. I think we need to improve in analyzing how the district is preparing our youth for life beyond graduation. From basic study to life skills, to tech training for business, do we enable our students to pass lifeís day to day tests not just the state mandated ones? What do our students need and want to learn? We must ask those questions to determine where to best spend educationís precious dollars.
I believe learning doesnít stop when you graduate from school and we need to view it as our job to create lifetime learners not just high school graduates. Therefore, as a community I would like us to find creative ways to enhance community education opportunities.

I thank you for your time and consideration as you cast your ballot for the Rush City School Board.

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