Moss plots new course for Selma school system
Published 9:10 pm Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Johnny Moss is the new chairman of the Selma City Schools board of education after defeating incumbent Henry Hicks in a close race Tuesday. Moss has worked for Wallace Community College Selma for the past 10 years and is a former educator at Selma High School. He has two children, Evan, 6, and Jackson, 4.
Johnny Moss said his two children — 6-year-old Evan and 4-year-old Jackson — knew their dad won something Tuesday night, but they weren’t entirely sure what.
“They don’t really understand what I’m president of, but they know I won and I’m president of something, so they were real excited,” Moss said with a smile.
Moss was elected chairman of the Selma City Board of Education Tuesday night, narrowly defeating incumbent Henry Hicks. He said the biggest reason he ran was so that he could ensure a better future for his children and all of Selma’s children.
“I have a passion for education, and I’m working in education and I’ve seen a lot of things the school system is not doing,” Moss said. “They are starting to get back on track to do some positive things, but I think I can share a lot of my passion and bring my knowledge forward in the direction that we need.”
Moss currently serves as the BOOST recruiter and marketing and college relations director at Wallace Community College Selma and has served in those roles for 10 years. He’s married to Sharonoa Moss.
He said he’d like to see more transparency from the school board, including a Facebook page where parents could provide feedback.
“I preach transparency. We want to have closer interaction with parents,” Moss said.
“I really want to bring the parents back in the school system and we also want to bring in new, energetic teachers and retain teachers.”
One thing was obvious from Tuesday’s results — Selma voters want change. At least two new members will serve on the board after Tanya Miles won in district 4 and Frank Chestnut elected not to run in district 3. Phyllis Houser and Lola Sewell will be in a run-off for Chestnut’s seat in district 3.
In district 1, incumbent Kirit Chapatwala will be in a run-off with Danielle Wooten.
Brenda Obomanu will retain her seat in district two after defeating Jeffery Strong.
No matter who wins the remaining run-offs, Moss will be over a new look school board.
“It says that people are ready for a change,” Moss said.
“We hear that a lot but the people spoke loudly last night.”
Moss said he’d like to revisit the school system’s recently passed strategic plan. He’d like to pass a short-term plan with more immediate goals.
“I don’t think it really caters to our demographic or what we really need to do,” Moss said.
