Host Erika Washington interviews Adam Johnson, an appointed Clark County School District trustee, College Board executive director, and vice chair at Democracy Prep, during Black History Month about improving education in Southern Nevada. They discuss CCSD’s size, challenges, and efforts to become a “destination district,” including the decision to start high school later. Johnson shares how his father’s late-career teaching inspired his move from corporate work into education through Teach For America and then Democracy Prep, and how his all-male high school shaped his focus on academics, service, and expanding opportunity. They explore charter schools versus traditional and magnet options, emphasizing student fit and strong accountability for results. The conversation also addresses bridging parent-teacher divides through culturally competent communication, clear expectations, flexibility, and persistent outreach to build true school-family partnerships.

• (00:00) - Introduction