Name: Gordon J. Johnson

Occupation: music director emeritus, Great Falls Symphony

Political/educational background: current school board member

Website/social: website

Q: Why are you running for school board?

A: I am running for a third term. I am running again because I enjoy my interaction with the district and feel I have gained enough experience to be effective for another 3 years.

Q: If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

A: Planning a levy for May 2026, implementing recent/new state legislation, operating on a tight budget (and dealing with the anticipated changes that accompany such).

Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing GFPS for the next three years?

A: Fiscal shortfall, creating a sense of community value for public school education, maintaining qualified teachers/staff.

Q: What do you think are the three biggest strengths of the district?

A: Administrative staff, our teachers, our support staff.

Q: In what ways do you plan to support and retain high-quality teachers in the district, and how would you address teacher shortages or high turnover rates?

A: Let’s hope HB 252 (STARS Act) passes.

Q: What is your plan to raise test scores and student performance?

A: Listen to the advisement of our curriculum specialist. We have smart people working on this and their results are paying off!

Q: Graduation and dropout rates are always a concern, what ways would you propose to keep kids in school and engaged in learning?

A: Provide non-traditional options (car mechanics, cuisine, welding, etc.)

Q: How do you think the district should address student mental health and wellbeing?

A: I would hope we could maintain mental health specialists at each of our schools.

Q: How would you approach making decisions about curriculum and instructional materials, and what factors would you take into consideration?

A: Ditto.

Q: What is your understanding of the school funding formula in Montana, and if elected, would you advocate for changes to that formula?

A: The state funding formula needs to be fixed. We have been working with legislators and the MTSBA during the recent session to address this. It is a slow going process.

Q: How do you think the district can best position itself financially to deal with rising costs, potential changes to the federal funding structure and the community’s reluctance to support additional levies?

A: We need to change the community attitude about (school) levies, the federal funding (keep your fingers crossed) we receive is essential, cut spending which hurts as it diminishes programs which are essential to student success (we cannot dip into the reserves).

Q: What are your thoughts on how legislative actions impact GFPS funding and operations?

A: HB 2 and HB 252 passing would be a good start.

Q: How would you work to ensure that all students in the district receive an equitable education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status?

A: We have compassionate and well trained councilors in our schools.

Q: How would you support students with disabilities and/or other individual learning needs throughout the district?

A: We have well-trained professionals who ensure that all students receive equitable treatment. We need to protect this service to our students.

Q: How would you address issues related to school safety, including bullying, violence, and substance abuse?

A: By standing behind legislation and the laws which protects them.

Q: What are your thoughts on addressing rising violence among young people in Great Falls, particularly at the middle and high school levels? 

A: Much of this is monitored by building Principals. At the Board level we deal with school safety issues which include trainings and funding of fire systems, entry systems, etc. We can by monitoring and enforcing a “no tolerance” for violence policy.

Q: How will you support the arts in schools, including music, theater and visual arts?

A: Always have, always will. Music, art, and drama are GFPS’s most valued products.

Q: How would you interact with staff to learn about GFPS operations, education regulations and stay informed about items you are being asked to vote on?

A: I talk to teachers, community members and community leaders all the time!

Q: How would you communicate with the public to hear their concerns and keep them informed about GFPS operations?

A: They can call me (as they have) or invite me to speak.

Q: As a school board member, you are asked to represent the whole community, how do you represent those that are different, or that have different views than you do?

A: I am known to be open and a good listener. I may not be able to solve all problems, but, I am there to do whatever I can to open up the lines of communication in search of a solution.