For Johnson, "It's all about "Seagull Pride!"

K.C. Johnson

K.C. Johnson took over as the new Raymond School District Superintendent of Schools July 1. A graduate of Toledo HS in 1984, Johnson has an extensive coaching background and teaching background of 33 years and has a bachelor's degree from Central Washington University (1989) and a masters degree from the University of Oregon (1992) in curriculum and instructional leadership and supervision.

Johnson has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has coached football, basketball and baseball. He spent 11 years as an athletic director, seven years as a Dean of Students. Johnson won a state baseball championship at Toutle Lake in 1992, and a state football championship at Adna in 2009. He left Adna HS to come back to his roots.

Johnson said he enjoys fishing and golfing in his spare time. Johnson, and his wife, Kristeen, have two children, Lizzie, 26, and A.J., 23.
Following is Part II of Superintendent Johnson's interview.

Herald: Are there any changes that you would like to initiate at RSD?

Johnson: No changes right now, except a positive attitude and work ethic worthy of Raymond. We will work on other things as we get going.

Herald: Right now, what is the most important thing RSD needs that it does not have?

Johnson: Raymond needs what they've always had in the past...the feeling of community pride in the town, the schools, the playing fields.

Herald: Briefly, what is your philosophy of education?

Johnson: My philosophy on education is quite simple. Get all you can and never stop learning!

Herald: After maneuvering through the coronavirus pandemic, what are your thoughts about the current state of education at RSD?

Johnson: I was the Covid Coordinator at Adna, and it was a difficult time for everyone. I know that kids are resilient and will come out of all this strong and ready to move forward. I want to offer them all they need for their well being both mentally and physically. I really want to focus on Staff and Parents too. It hasn't been easy on anyone.

Herald: How many students and teachers has RSD lost because of pandemic issues, transfers or being home-schooled? Do you see this as an on-going problem and what should the school district do about it?

Johnson: Raymond, just like a lot of other schools, has lost a lot of people to burn out or just needing a change. I know the District enrollment is down and we want to build it back up. We need to work harder to keep our students in Raymond. This will happen through hard work and that feeling of "Family."

Herald: What are the biggest changes you have seen take place in K-12 education over the past decade?

Johnson: Education has been changing for the entire 33 years I've been doing this job. The key is to stay up with the pace and stay in touch with the changes. Social Media has probably been the biggest change.

Herald: Do you have an inspirational hero in the realm of education...Who/what experience has taught you the most about education?

Johnson: I have a lot of inspirational heros in education. The biggest being my dad. His Positive attitude was always incredible. Others have been Scott Grabenhorst, Ivor Hoglund, and people like Denny Clark at Toledo. All of them loved kids and made a huge impact on the lives of kids.

Herald: What are your thoughts about the current trend of things being taught in the classroom that were not there five years ago, i.e., technology, sex education, transgender education in kindergarten, etcetera?

Johnson: The current trends in education are very interesting and sometimes controversial. I think a lot of times they get blown out of proportion due to the media, and people getting very emotional. I sometimes think people forget what's the most important thing, and that's building young men and women that will be excellent community members and leaders for the future.

Herald: Is there anything you would like to change about the "institution of teaching"?

Johnson: Just get back to basics and try and prepare students for the world they live in. Jobs are different then they were in the past, and it's our jobs to get them prepared for whatever field they are interested in.

Herald: How many new hirings does RSD have for 2022-23? How many more staff positions need to be filled?

Johnson: Raymond has hired or is in the process of hiring six different positions. We have hired two excellent principals for the elementary and junior high/high school. Kristine Boisen is the new elementary principal and she has been incredible to work with so far. Brain Maley is the junior high/high school principal, and he comes to Raymond with a ton of experience in similar-sized districts. Our number one goal is build a climate and culture that the community of Raymond can be proud of, and to continue building the best staff we can. There are a lot of great people in this District and we want to continue to add great people to make Raymond the best school in the state.

Herald: Is there anything you would care to add about anything?

Johnson: I know this job will be challenging and that's exactly why I accepted it. I want to finish my career in Raymond where it all began. I entered kindergarten as the proudest little Seagull in 1971, and I want to leave education as the proudest old Seagull some day in the future. It's all about Raymond Pride!