Thera Johnson Pitches Community-Driven Vision for Miami-Dade School Board District 1

Miami-Dade County School Board District 1 candidate Thera Johnson is positioning herself as a community advocate, parent, and longtime youth professional as she campaigns to succeed longtime board member Dr. Steve Gallon III.

During an interview on Hy-Lo News’ Can We Talk podcast, Johnson outlined her campaign platform focused on school safety, academic excellence, teacher recruitment, and expanding financial literacy education, highlighting her commitment to building on district successes rather than overhauling them.

“I don’t want to run as a politician,” Johnson said. “I want to run as a member of the community who wants to advocate for the people of the community who are just like me.”

Johnson, a Miami Norland Senior High School graduate, said her background as the parent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools students and her work with children with special needs have prepared her for the role.

“My first qualification, I’m a parent of children who attend school in Miami-Dade County,” Johnson said. “I’ve done that for the last 14 years right here in Miami-Dade County.”

Johnson holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of West Florida and a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy from Florida International University. Within the community, she has spent years coaching youth sports and serving families throughout District 1.

Johnson described the role of a school board member as both an advocate and a policymaker.

“Someone who is on the school board is that advocate. They are that voice for making sure that the schools, the personnel, the students, and the families are heard,” she said. “We set policy to make sure that everyone is getting their fair share.”

Rather than proposing sweeping changes, Johnson said she would continue the work established under Gallon’s leadership while pushing for every school in the district to earn top academic marks.

“I wouldn’t make changes. I would just make improvements,” she said. “I want to make sure that things continue to progress in a manner in which all of our schools are A-grade schools.”

Addressing teacher shortages, Johnson said recruitment efforts should begin while students are still in school by creating a stronger pipeline into the teaching profession.

“We have to start at the moment where students are deciding to become teachers,” she said. “I would definitely build a pipeline from student to professional educator.”

Johnson also voiced support for parental choice in education but argued that traditional public schools should be competitive enough that families choose them willingly.

“Parents do have a choice,” she said. “What we have to do as school board members is make the choice a no-brainer. We want them to bring their children to our schools.”

Amid declining enrollment, Johnson called on district leaders to closely examine campus-specific data and determine whether enrollment losses stem from long-term trends or temporary circumstances. She also pointed to more innovative classroom environments and flexible learning spaces as ways to better engage students.

Johnson acknowledged concerns from immigrant families over immigration enforcement, saying fear can directly affect student attendance.

“You can’t learn if you’re in fear,” she said. “Creating a safe environment for our students and for parents to know when they drop their child off, they receive that child back in the same condition, is important.”

When asked about her top priority beyond academics, Johnson pointed to campus safety.

“You want children and students to come into a welcoming environment, and they feel safe,” she said. “We definitely want to make sure that inside the school gates, we are keeping our students safe so they can learn.”

She suggested increasing partnerships with local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community organizations to expose students to careers, entrepreneurship, and practical life skills through assemblies, career fairs, and mentorship opportunities.

Closing the interview, Johnson appealed directly to District 1 voters by emphasizing her roots in the community.

“The voters of District 1 should trust me with their vote because I am just like them,” Johnson said. “I wanted to be the voice that speaks for the people, not just someone who wants to be elected to a seat.”

The full interview with Thera Johnson is available on Hy-Lo News’ YouTube channel.