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Donna Joy announces second run for Jefferson County Board of Education

By Staff | Feb 21, 2020

Joy

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Donna Joy has announced her second run for the Jefferson County Board of Education this year.

While she has never been in political office before, Joy said she is confident that she would be able to make a positive difference for the students in the Jefferson County public school system, thanks to her education and 30 years of teaching experience. Joy has taught college classes, as well as been a teacher in a number of different public school systems, with Jefferson County being the most recent one she has worked in.

“I have a lot to offer, and I want to be of service to my community,” Joy said in an interview on Feb. 12. “I went to some of the best schools in the country, and I’ve taught in some of the poorest and some of the richest schools in the country. I have these experiences that would give me a different perspective and a lot to offer.”

According to Joy, she has a bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and mathematics from Towson University, a master’s degree in psychology and special education from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in educational measurement, statistics, research and evaluation from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Joy said her education and career experience have given her insight into improvements she would like to make, if elected to the Jefferson County Board of Education.

“From small issues to bigger issues, I’ve been working on trying to accomplish things in the school system. And if I was on the board, it would be easier to accomplish things,” Joy said, mentioning she has gone to board of education meetings to try to encourage the board to adopt some of her ideas, but to no avail.

“There is so much room for improvement,” Joy said. “I was going to the board meetings, and was just like, ‘Can you just have Narcan in the nurses’ office? I will give it to you.’ They refused. Why? It could save someone’s life.”

While that is just one small change Joy would like to see happen in Jefferson County public schools, she also has been working with the state legislature to implement larger ones, such as HB 2775. The bill would require all West Virginia high school students to complete a one-credit personal finance course.

“It’s crazy some of the complex math we’re making these kids learn, and at least let these kids learn something that’s practical,” Joy said. “I’m excited, because the bill has been introduced, and it looks like it might succeed.”

To learn more about Joy’s campaign, visit www.donnajoyforschoolboard.com or email her at joy4schoolboardjcs@gmail.com.