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KSBA News Article

Beyond the Board

Lamont Johnson

Lamont Johnson, Mason County Schools

Kentucky School Advocate
October 2024

Q. You’ve served on the Mason County Schools’ board for two years. Why did you want to serve?

A. I am a former student and have had kids go through the school system and be involved in different programs, so I was aware of what Mason County Schools offered. Some people think that sports is the only way but there are other opportunities through clubs and organizations. Being on the board is my way to give back to the community and to voice my opinion on different things. 

Q. Tell us about your first couple of years on the board.

A. My first year was kind of overwhelming, trying to understand the purpose of the board, the do’s and don’ts. Superintendent (Rick) Ross said, ‘Hey, we’ve got to get you to these trainings, it is very educational and will show you the purpose of being on the board.’ I did benefit from trainings in Louisville. Now I know where to go to get correct information and where to point concerned parents to so they can get the answers they need. 

Q. Before you joined the board, you were involved in the school system as a coach, a member of the district facility planning committee and of a school-based decision-making council (SBDM). How did those experiences prepare you for board service? 

A. They taught me about different aspects of the schools. You learn who is in charge of what. You also learn that the biggest part is funding. Some people don’t understand, for example, that if we get a grant for a new school building, we can’t use those funds to supply more janitorial needs. 

Q. You served on the SBDM at the high school for 11 years. Can you tell us about your former history teacher and basketball coach who talked you into serving?

A. Steve Appelman called when my oldest got to high school and wanted me to get on the council. He said they needed someone of good character. I said, ‘I don’t know if I’m ready.’ And he kind of told me a story. He said, ‘Hey, it’s real simple. You meet once a month.’ I said, OK, because I trusted him as my teacher and coach, and the next thing I know, I was in the process of hiring a principal. It’s an ongoing joke that he sort of lied to me. 

Q. You are program director for the Tom Browning Boys and Girls Club. Can you tell us about the Boys and Girls Club and your work there?

A. The purpose of the Boys and Girls Club, which has been here since 1952, is to give at-risk children opportunities and a safe haven after school. We give kids opportunities through various programs like sports and education. STEAM is big right now, so we are partnering with local industries on some programs. The club is a place for kids to be safe and have fun. We’re not a school, but we do have structure. We are part of the Boys and Girls Club of America, which develops the programs. It is my job to determine which programs are a good fit for kids in our area. I was a club kid myself. 

Q. You’ve also been involved in the Housing Authority of Mason County, community healthcare and other civic groups. Why is being involved in your community important to you? 

A. I’m a product of my community and of a two-family home. Being a Maysville native, I know what this community can bring if you keep focused and do the correct things that need to be done. You can go down the wrong alley or stay on the main road of life, and I’ve stayed on the main road. 

Getting to know

Hometown: Maysville

Family: Wife, Amber; daughters, Aireus, Beyonce, Amari, Neveah and Arianna; sons, Daireus and Demarion; seven grandkids

Favorite subject: History. History motivates me to do what I do – to be the change and to not repeat history.

Hobbies: Family time. My children are grown and four of them don’t live in Maysville now, so spending time with them is important.

Book recommendation: I don’t read a lot of books but I’m a huge fan of quotes. One I liked that I posted to social media this week: “You can do anything you want if you set your mind to it. If you don’t want to do it, you continue to make excuses.” 

Interesting fact: When you first meet me, I am kind of quiet, but once you get to know me, I will talk your head off. 

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