STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York

2009 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD

1. – 4. See attached summary

5. Yes, I will sign a written pledge to conduct my campaign accordingly.

6. Yes, if endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, I will list the endorsement on
all of my applicable campaign literature.

7. Yes, if endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, I will attend a GLBT

community forum to introduce endorsed candidates?

8. and 9. See attached summary.

10. N/A

11. Yes, teachers and administrators should get specific training about harassment,
bullying, and intimidation of GLBT students and staff? I am involved on campus with
Equity and Diversity issues as well as co-sponsor of the documents attached.

12. Yes, I do support the voluntary formation of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in public
high schools and community colleges. I think it could be a support group and could
contribute in positive ways to the development of sensitivity.

13. In colleges as well as high schools I like to see students function in diverse groups
enjoying each others company irrespective of sexual orientation.

14. No, I do not believe that entities receiving public funds or resources should be
allowed to violate non-discrimination policies.

15. I am not an expert in the area of age appropriate education about lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender issues, so I would have to defer to reviewing proven
curriculum for grades 5-12.

16. Yes, I would work to include gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered parents in
school activities. Every parent is a teacher and knows his/her child and wants the best
education possible for him/her.

17. Yes, I would support mandatory diversity training for public education employees
that includes LGBT issues. I attend equity and diversity training both at the college
and at Board member development.

Florence Johnson 2009

Candidate for re-election
Buffalo Board of Education
At-Large Member
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 STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York
2009 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD

18. Yes, I would advocate on behalf of a student who identifies as gendered other than
that of his or her biological sex. I would use what materials are available to educate
understanding of child centered needs with caring adults could be fostered for all
parents through these activities.

19. I think that ones lifestyle is their choice and should be respected. I do not think that it
is necessary for adults to go out of their way to discuss their personal lifestyles with
the students. I think that professional adults can do more by using opportunities to
discuss acceptance of differences and diversity of people and lifestyles. What one
does in his/her own personal life is their business and should be respected as such.

20. I would need to explore this more, it would require more orientation and research on
my part.

21. Yes, I support marriage equality, (equal marriage laws, permitting same sex couples
to marry under state law, just as opposite sex couples do).

22. I would publicly oppose a state constitutional amendment initiative that would seek to
limit marriage to one man and one woman. Persons should have their own will in
choosing their own partner.

23. No, I would not seek endorsement of or advertise on any homophobic websites. I
have not advertised nor do I intend to advertise on such websites for my
election/reelection?

Florence Johnson 2009

Candidate for re-election
Buffalo Board of Education
At-Large Member
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 STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York
2009 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD

I have a passion for students learning and providing physical environments with state
of the art resources to assist young people in achieving their maximum academic
growth Coming from an impoverished background, I truly believe that education is a
civil right and that it is the responsibility of each of us as citizens to create a
community that demands from everyone to support graduation from high school as an
expectation NOT a choice. In order for our city to rebound education must be part of
the equation. Assisting in the development of literate young people who are equipped
with a sound basic education inclusive of critical thinking skills and respect for self
and the dignity of others is my goal. Having served on the Board of Education for 17
years, I have always advocated for equity for all be it human or physical resources. I
am a strong advocate of choice for parents in the education of their children and for
equal access of opportunity for programs in the district for all students. Additionally I
want to be re-elected to work with our Superintendent and staff to:

 Increase academic achievement over the district (increase the number of

students achieving proficiency and above on state tests.)
 Increase our graduation rates with an emphasis on re-vamping our
instructional delivery system for the high schools. Why should 4 year
graduation be the drop dead requirement?

I believe given societal factors some students are requiring more time to develop the
requisite skills to pass 6 Regent exams. Research shows the students who have a
career-tech emphasis in high school demonstration increased graduation rates. Cases
in point: Emerson Culinary Arts: students complete internships and attend school for
3 summers to complete requirements for graduation. The school’s graduation rate for
2006-2007 the latest state data was 80%. McKinley was 77%. My record of
advocating that every person be treated with respect and that civility be demonstrated
in all of our staff development programs, is well documented. Examples of such have
been assisting in convening and participating in discussions to develop sensitivity
programming. The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York have advocated for
quality education and civil rights for all. I support this philosophy in my life style so
this is a natural extension in my elected office.

Florence Johnson 2009

Candidate for re-election
Buffalo Board of Education
At-Large Member
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 STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York
2009 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD

 Proposed and Attained approval for examining Early Childhood curriculum

with emphasis on reading, math, writing and listening skills.
 Improved student academics via improved instructional delivery system.
 Elected by Big 5 School Boards to serve on the Commissioner of Education
Advisory Committee 1999-present.
 Increase in Math scores by 90% and 40% in Reading.
 Advanced Placement courses and staff development for teachers in all of the
High Schools.
 41 of our schools will be completely renovated by the end of Phase 4.
 Phase 5 is being discussed.
 Settled contracts for Engineers Union which gives the district the ability to
have before and after school activities and weekends.
 Settled Teacher Aid/Teacher Assistant contracts for 900 persons.
 Voted for Living Wage resolution for district.

Florence Johnson 2009

Candidate for re-election
Buffalo Board of Education
At-Large Member
-4-
 STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York
2009 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
BUFFALO SCHOOL BOARD

Florence Johnson 2009

Candidate for re-election
Buffalo Board of Education
At-Large Member
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