In conversation with . . . Bruce Johnson
Bruce Johnson was a trustee with the Okanagan Skaha School District from 20112018. He did not seek re-election. Born and raised in Penticton, he was a teacher and principal in Penticton for 34 years.
He announced last summer he would not seek re-election. He spoke with the Herald this week about his seven years on the school board. HERALD: Why are you so damn popular? JOHNSON: Haha . . . thanks. l really try to listen to people, to put myself in their shoes; l am very positive and an optimist. l’d rather work with someone to find five ways to implement their idea, rather than give them five reasons why their idea would never work.
HERALD: What was the highlight of your seven years on the school board?
JOHNSON: The two highlights: all of the wonderful people that l have met or renewed acquaintances with and of course helping the West Bench and Trout Creek Elementary schools stay open.
HERALD: How would you define the role of a trustee?
JOHNSON: The role of a trustee is to listen to people and to support them and to make sure that staff is doing everything possible to provide the best education for the children of our district.
HERALD: The Nova Scotia government recently abolished school boards. Do you see other provinces doing the same?
JOHNSON: Our provincial government will not eliminate school boards. We are the conduit between the taxpayers and the government and we are a “bargain” (the total stipend for all seven trustees is approximately the same as one teacher’s salary and benefits).
HERALD: You’re well known in the community having worked in the school system for 34 years. Did you ever have to recuse yourself from a vote due to a perceived conflict of interest? JOHNSON: No. HERALD: Are you leaving with any regrets?
JOHNSON: I have three regrets: the way that staff and the board handled the school closure fiasco, the superintendent’s raise, and the way that our board has interpreted the “one-employee policy.”
HERALD: SOGI 123, a set of resources available to teachers and principals for sexual orientation and gender identification, was a major issue in many places in B.C., Kelowna and Abbottsford to name a few. But, it wasn’t here. Do you support SOGI 123 and, if so, why?
JOHNSON: I am all in favour of the SOGI policy and the SOGI 123 resource package. Topics include: diversity, respect, acceptance and treating all people with dignity.
HERALD: What’s your personal viewpoint on why the government is holding off on teacher negotiations when they’ve already started and concluded with support staff?
JOHNSON: It is disappointing that negotiations have been put on hold, but l am confident that when they resume in the new year, the BCTF and the government will be successful in their efforts to work out a contract.
HERALD: How do you feel about the board’s unofficial policy that only the chair does the talking?
JOHNSON: To the surprise of none, l am not in favour of the chair speaking for all seven trustees! I believe in stating my opinion and explaining my reasons to anyone who asks me. What I do believe in is once the vote is in, usually 6-1, l will stand by the board’s decision. That’s democracy.
HERALD: When you were chairman for two years, you always had a great relationship with all media in Penticton and not just the Herald. Do you feel this is something the new board and administration needs to improve?
JOHNSON: I believe relationships are the key to any successful endeavor and working with the media is crucial. Our constituents want to know the facts and they deserve to be informed.
HERALD: Ginny Manning and Julie Planiden were not re-elected. What did you enjoy about working with them?
JOHNSON: Julie has been a very good trustee. She is always prepared, speaks her opinion and adds valuable insight to all discussions. Ginny has been a very dedicated trustee. She attends many district and school functions. She has served as an excellent board chair and Ginny has done some incredible work at the regional and provincial levels.
HERALD: What is your advice to newly elected trustees and the new board?
JOHNSON: My advice to the new board: listen to people, work with staff, but remember the board and the citizens they represent are the ones in charge and please try to get along with the media!
HERALD: In 2016, you had a very public battle with cancer. How are you feeling now?
JOHNSON: I am approaching the threeyear mark on my pancreatic cancer journey, which is way better than three months! Since the cancer metastasized to my lungs over a year ago l have been on a bi-weekly chemo protocol that is working out quite well. My side effects are not nearly as severe as they predicted and it is working. A guy can’t ask for much more than that! HERALD: What’s next for Bruce Johnson? JOHNSON: Lots of time with friends and family, including my four amazing grandchildren. l have my season’s pass for Apex, and l will continue with my volunteer work in our community. I will continue to follow my mantra: “Live every day to the fullest and never have a bad day.”