RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Lorri Johnson, an independent candidate, announced her candidacy for the Rutherford County School Board, Zone 3 seat. As a member of the Murfreesboro community for over 11 years, Johnson sees first-hand the successes and challenges of our Rutherford County schools including the after-effects of the pandemic, school safety, recruitment and retention of teachers and staff, wellness concerns (including mental and physical health), and rapid population growth.

Johnson looks to collaborate with other board members in formulating solutions to enhance the standard of excellence for student success.

As an accomplished professional with over 35 years of experience in a Fortune 50 insurance and financial services company, Johnson plans to leverage her vast professional leadership experiences to create an atmosphere of unity focused on the social-emotional learning of students by balancing relationships between the Director of Schools, Board Members, educators, families, and the community while remaining in step with the guidelines established by the State of Tennessee.

Johnson shared "I've had the privilege to visit with many principals, educators and staff and I'm here to tell you there are some GREAT things going on in our schools. My reason for running for the Rutherford County School Board is to honor God by using my gifts and talents to serve the students, parents, educators, staff and community."

Johnson attends the school board meetings and has viewed many archived online board sessions.  She has also talked to former board members, educators and a former director of schools to gain context of past and current issues facing our schools.  She is listening to parents of students and making note of their concerns.

Johnson is an active member of her church where she has previously served on the ministry development and women's ministry leadership teams and taught a teen Sunday school class. Other notable volunteer experience included serving as a Board Member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Inner City Atlanta), the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta, and with the Murfreesboro City Schools Family Resource Center.

A native of Columbia, Missouri, Johnson attended Lincoln University on a basketball scholarship earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Marketing. Johnson is an avid sports fan stating, "football season is the best time of year.” She is the proud mama to Missy, a beautiful golden lab-chow mix.

Johnson believes in whole-child success for all students so they can thrive now and in the future. She understands that this will require the community working jointly and in unity for the betterment of our schools.

Johnson says she is committed to serving the Zone 3 community and hopes that by announcing her candidacy she will inspire others to step out and serve as well. 

Submitted - Political