I am a wife, mother of two children, who are enrolled in the district. I am an attorney with 16 years' experience in Family Law litigation and 2 years' experience in Administrative Law.
I am running to retain my seat on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education to continue my passion to advocate for children through setting policy.
I am an avid reader of policy, procedures, and protocols, which are all necessary for governance. I have the unique skill set to read policies and interpret them as they are written and then interpret the policies as applied. I have mediation training that gives me the ability to work with my colleagues, teachers, students, and the public to make clear and concise policies to govern the district. I have the ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner to ensure ideas and policies are communicated efficiently and effectively.
Enrollment: I would propose a more aggressive marketing campaign to inform the public of our academic ranking status and programs. Marketing: Southfield Public Schools offers many programs for students. Expanding the marketing campaign highlights the achievements of the district and thereby attracts potential third-party vendors as well as students to enroll in the district.
Accountability: I would ensure that all policies, procedures, and expectations are communicated to staff, stakeholders, and families timely. I would also ensure that all staff, stakeholders and families are able to meet expectations as outlined. I will be a proponent of measuring accountability by outcomes, such as annual test scores and scholarship awards.
I am a physician, small business owner, and a parent of a special needs child, entering Southfield schools. I understand the hard work needed to succeed and I can use my focus and tenacity to bring a vision of success to the students.
1. Decreased enrollment, adopt programs that would attract and retain our Southfield residents and others, to our schools.
2. Lack of vision, I have a clear vision of what we can do, to have our schools, in the top of Michigan.
3. Decreased finances, I want to increase our private sponsorships with local and national businesses.
I am a lifelong Southfield resident, proud Southfield Public Schools graduate, and six-year member of the Board of Education. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration, I returned home and continued a path in public service that included experience in local and state government. In 2020, at 23, I became the youngest person elected to public office in Southfield history.
I ran for School Board because Southfield invested in me, and I wanted to give back to the district that helped shape my future. Since taking office, I have helped expand academic and career pathways, helped to pass our historic $345 million bond to modernize our schools, and led efforts to build more sustainable, fiscally responsible facilities. Today, I serve as Democracy for All Director at the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. I’m running for re-election to build on our progress and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Improving Student Achievement: Reading and math scores are moving in the right direction, and University High has risen from #40 to #14 among Michigan public high schools. I’ll keep investing in what works, reviewing achievement data, and holding district leadership accountable for closing gaps.
Making SPS the First Choice: Enrollment is growing for the first time in over a decade. I’ll build on that progress by expanding after-school programs, athletics, arts, clubs, career pathways, summer enrichment, and and strengthen opportunities for students to help shape programming.
Making Every Dollar Count: Our community entrusted SPS with a $345 million bond. I’ll closely scrutinize contracts, costs, and timelines to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
Building Sustainable Schools: SPS spends about $3 million annually on energy. I’ll work toward 100% clean energy, greater efficiency, and sustainable buildings that lower costs and reinvest savings in students.
Hello my name is Ayo Johnson. I was born in Decatur, Alabama. I moved to Detroit, Michigan at just 3 months old and was raised in the city. As an adult, I made Southfield home and have proudly been a resident for over 15 years. My passion for children and education has been a lifelong commitment. For more than 10 years I worked as a daycare provider. I have also tutored and mentored children and adults of various ages.
I graduated with honors from Detroit Business Institute and Wayne County Community College, earning a degree in Science. I am currently continuing my commitment to education at Arizona State University, pursuing dual bachelor's degrees in Forensic Science and Family and Human Development. I have 19 years of healthcare experience. I currently work for Corewell Health in the surgical department. I am ready to bring accountability, compassion and a fresh perspective to the Southfield School Board.
Motivated. Goal- Driven. Direct. Dedicated to Our Children and Our Schools.
1) Declining Student Enrollment:
If elected to office I would find out why students don't want to attend school. Is it from lack of enjoyment? Bullying? No compassion from teachers or staff? My goal is to Make Schools Fun Again. Come up with programs or a curriculum that will make the students want to return to the classroom.
2) Budget/Finances:
I will concentrate on the $345 million capital facilities bond. What are we investing these funds into? Are these new schools/ buildings safe for our children? Do they have the materials or new technology for our children to succeed in today's society? These are the questions we need to provide answers to. That is my goal.
3) Test Scores:
Why is it that some Southfield Schools in the district have higher test scores vs others? Are they not getting the same study materials? Is it the quality of education they are receiving? Is it lack of motivation? I will research and study these questions and provide quality results if elected into office.
