Bill Clark
ColumnistColumbia Daily Tribune
“I’d like to see Jonathan Sessions get a chance for the one-year seat. He’s an infusion of youth and vigor, which any board needs from time to time.”
April 6th, we’re having at watch party at Uprise Bakery downtown on Hitt St. We’ll get things started at 7pm and go until we get the results. Find out more via the Facebook Event
Read More...The Columbia Parents for Public Schools, Columbia Council Parent-Teachers Association, and Columbia Public Schools Employee Organization are co-sponsoring a school board candidate forum in the Daniel Boone Regional Library’s Friends Room at 7pm. It’s an informal opportunity to meet the candidates and kids are welcome. I hope to see you there.
Read More...I’ll be on air with David Lile Tuesday morning around 8:20am. Be sure to tune in on 1400AM or http://www.kfru.com
Read More...“I’d like to see Jonathan Sessions get a chance for the one-year seat. He’s an infusion of youth and vigor, which any board needs from time to time.”
I have known Jonathan Sessions for most of his life. He grew up in the same church where I served as Director of Music, and he attended Russell Blvd. Elementary School, where I worked as the music specialist. Jon sang in my choirs at school and at church. He was friends with my two sons, and will even serve as an usher in my son Patrick’s upcoming wedding. He currently serves our church as the Director of Youth Activities. I know Jon to be highly invested in the city of Columbia. A successful businessman, Jon also spends many hours working with the Roots, Blues, and BBQ Festival committee. But Jon’s true passion seems to be our public school system. A regular fixture at CPS board meetings, Jon is knowledgeable about many of the issues facing our schools.
I would love to see Jon elected to the school board. His youth and energy will bring a fresh perspective to the decision-making process. I hope that you’ll join me in voting for Jonathan Sessions for the Columbia school board.
Eight years ago when Jonathan Sessions first came to our home to setup my new computer, I was impressed with his professional demeanor and his teaching style for “this student” during my instruction. Even then Jonathan certainly demonstrated professionalism is not extinct! Yes, as you can guess - I am a senior citizen from the “old school”!
Over the years when I needed software to be updated and the time involved for downloading - I continued to be amazed at Jonathan’s breadth of knowledge in our discussions. As a former teacher at two universities and Jonathan, a native of Columbia, a graduate of Columbia Public Schools, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a major in elementary and music education, plus, his degree program gave him the opportunity to be a student teacher in the Columbia Public Schools - education was always our major topic!
Over these many years, and even now, we have had in-depth discussions on the in’s and out’s of education. We both adamantly agree that at each of the grade levels - the bottom line must be the student will receive quality education to achieve maximum measurable outcomes. Out of our many discussions, I soon became aware that Jonathan demonstrates a special skill in listening to another’s perspective. And yet, he has this unique professional approach that encourages thinking “outside-the-box” for possible alternatives for consideration.
Not only does Jonathan have an excellent educational background, he owns Tech 2, a technology consulting business, where he, too, must consistently monitor and find ways to manage his resources in today’s economy. But Equally Important - his age places him in the unique position to be “A Blend and A Balance” amongst the different ages within the Columbia School Board! In turn, not only will Jonathan Sessions be a great asset on the Columbia School Board but also for the Columbia Public Schools and our Community!
I have had the pleasure to work with Jonathan Sessions for the past year on the Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and I truly believe he would be a tremendous addition to the Columbia Public School Board. Jonathan would bring a fresh perspective to the board, a renewed energy, and an expertise in technology which would benefit all aspects of Columbia Schools.
Jonathan graduated from CPS in this century and as a result he has even a greater first hand knowledge of school operations. From all my interactions with Jonathan I know that he is a first rate young gentleman and would give his all to this position. He is dedicated, commited and personable. I enthusiastically endorse Jonathan Sessions’s election to the Columbia Public School Board.