Lauren Estes-Velez

Special to the Enquirer

Veteran educator Tony Johnson announced his bid for the superintendent of Morgan County Schools and qualified with the Republican party in March.

The 27-year veteran educator has spent the past 18 years of his career working in Cullman County administration.

“I have served in education across two states and three systems, and I am ready to utilize that experience to serve the people of Morgan County,” Johnson said. “After earning my master’s degree in educational leadership from UNA, I went on to earn my education specialist degree in educational leadership from UA.

“It was at the University of Alabama that I heard about their Superintendent’s Academy. I had the honor to recently complete UA’s Superintendent’s Academy while also finishing up my 18th year in administration.”

Johnson has been an associate pastor in Morgan County for 23 years and is currently serving as associate pastor at New Life Church on West Lacon Road in Falkville. He said he’s been able to walk with people in all aspects of life and wants to continue that service in the form of superintendent.

“This is an important election, and if given the opportunity to serve, I will be committed to see that all students and communities are supported in their efforts to educate the next generation of productive citizens,” Johnson said. “We live in the greatest country on earth, and its leader does not generally serve more than two terms. Morgan County has a choice for the first time in eight years, and I would be honored to serve as that choice.

“June 5, I would love to earn your vote.”

Johnson has been married for 23 years to Melissa Johnson, and they have a 21-year-old daughter, Hannah Vandiver, and a 17-year-old son Devin. Vandiver recently graduated from Wallace State’s nursing program with her nursing degree. She is married to Cody Vandiver, and they have a 2-year-old son, Houston.

Johnson’s son Devin, who will be a senior at Falkville next year, is a two-time state pole vault champion.

“If elected, I would strive to have a comprehensive evaluation of all programs to determine their effectiveness in helping students grow. All building projects would be well-planned and have an upfront cost so taxpayers would not have to pay for expensive change orders, partial demolitions and reconstructions, as they have done recently,” Johnson said. “I would advance the technical career opportunities by partnering with local industries so students could graduate high school with careers they enjoy and could use to raise a family. Most importantly, I would ensure that our schools were safe, both structurally and emotionally.

“With these initiatives and more in place, the culture and climate of our schools and system would rise to an all-time high,” Johnson added. “I want all of our students and employees to enjoy coming to work. We have the best job in the world – serving students – and Morgan County deserves a leader who will set that example of service.”