About Tarah
A Proven Leader for Area 4
The Right Person Then; The Right Person Now
Tarah Cousar-Johnson
School Board Member · Area 4 · Sumter School District
Committed to Our Schools, Our Students, Our Community
Tarah Cousar-Johnson has been a dedicated public servant and professional, as well as a community advocate for the families of Area 4, and all students and families in the Sumter School District. She has visited churches, community centers, participated in parades, served as guest speaker in several schools, tutored when available, visited schools throughout the district, and answered when called. Though initially approached about running for the school board by individuals from various communities in Area 4, her journey to the school board was ultimately driven by a simple belief: every child in Sumter County deserves a quality education, a safe learning environment, and teachers/staff who are supported and empowered to do their best work.
As a school board member, Tarah has held leaders accountable. This often happened when she asked the tough questions, those that may sometimes have led to degrees of discomfort. She has also worked tirelessly to help raise academic standards, strengthen the relationship between schools and families, and ensure dollars are spent wisely where they matter most...on the students. This may not have always been matched with acceptance from some in the community, but it was definitely in the best interest of the total child.
She has been a consistent voice for Area 4- speaking up where warranted, attending board meetings, showing up for conferences, assisting parents with making contact with appropriate departments and personnel, serving as chair of the Finance Committee, and fighting for the resources students need to thrive. Her record speaks for itself, and the receipts are recorded for verification. Tarah is asking for your continued trust to continue the work of her area and the district under the new superintendent and his administration.
What Drives Her
Rooted in Community, Focused on Results
Student-First Leadership
Every decision Tarah makes starts with one question: how does this help our students? From curriculum to budgets, students come first. While the way she may handle a situation alone, is not how it gets handled collectively, rest assured she will fight for her choice and what she believes would be in the best interest of the student.
Transparency & Accountability
Tarah believes the community deserves honest, open leadership. As such, she has gone on the record many times to ensure accurate information is in the community. She seeks to keep constituents informed, especially as it relates to achievements, controversial actions/conversations and holds district personnel accountable to their promises and obligations. Her goal is to dispel myths and communicate truth to power.
Teacher Support
Great schools start with great teachers and leaders. Tarah has championed competitive pay, professional development, and the resources educators need to succeed. Her voting record reflects this level of support. When called upon, be it for a class or school event, she is sure to respond and attend as much as her schedule permits.
Community Partnership
Tarah knows that schools don't exist in isolation. She actively builds bridges between the district, families, faith communities, and local organizations. If you want to know how she responds to parents, ask them. Even when the outcome parents expect is not the desired one, it is not because Tarah did not follow up or follow through. It will be hard to find anyone who works harder, or smarter, than Tarah when it comes to children and community.
Stand With Tarah
Help re-elect a leader who has already proven what she can do for Area 4.
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