Priorities
Southfield shaped Amani Johnson — and now he’s fighting every day to strengthen Southfield Public Schools for the next generation.
As a lifelong Southfield resident, proud district graduate, and six-year member of the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education, Amani believes our schools should deliver strong academics, safe and modern facilities, and real opportunity for every student.
Improve Student Achievement & Raise Test Scores
Every Southfield student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Over the last several years, our district has expanded academic and career opportunities for students, but we still have work to do when it comes to improving reading and math achievement. As a school board member, my focus is simple: making sure every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
That means investing in proven instructional strategies, strengthening intervention programs for students who need additional help, and ensuring our teachers have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. I believe we should measure our progress honestly, celebrate our successes, and stay relentlessly focused on preparing every student for life after graduation.
Make Southfield the First Choice for Families
Families who live in Southfield and Lathrup Village should feel confident choosing Southfield Public Schools.
As a lifelong Southfield resident and district graduate, I know firsthand the incredible opportunities our schools can provide. Yet too many families who live in our community choose to send their children elsewhere.
I want Southfield Public Schools to be the first choice for local families. That means expanding innovative programs, strengthening communication with parents, improving customer service, and ensuring every family feels welcomed, informed, and valued. When we earn the trust of families, we strengthen our schools, stabilize enrollment, and create more opportunities for students.
Create More Opportunities for Students Beyond the School Day
Students need more than great classrooms—they need opportunities to explore their interests, build relationships, and discover their future.
Too many young people today lack safe, engaging spaces where they can spend time after school and in the evenings. That’s why I believe Southfield Public Schools should continue expanding after-school programs, athletics, arts, clubs, career exploration opportunities, and summer enrichment activities.
By partnering with community organizations, colleges, and local employers, we can create more pathways for students to learn, grow, and thrive. When students are engaged, connected, and inspired, everyone benefits.
Deliver Safe, Modern Schools & Community Spaces
In 2022, Southfield voters made a historic investment in our schools by approving a $345 million bond to modernize every building across the district.
Now it’s our responsibility to deliver on that promise.
As Chair of the Construction Committee, I am committed to ensuring these projects are completed responsibly, transparently, and with strong accountability to taxpayers. Students deserve modern classrooms, reliable infrastructure, improved air quality, and facilities that support learning for decades to come.
I also believe our schools should serve the broader community. As new facilities come online, I will continue advocating for expanded public access to tracks, athletic facilities, pools, meeting spaces, and other community amenities that residents helped make possible.
Lower Costs & Invest More In Students
Good stewardship means finding ways to spend less on utility bills and more on students.
As Chair of both the Sustainability Committee and Construction Committee, I have led efforts to adopt district-wide recycling policies, sustainable building standards, cleaner transportation solutions, and healthier learning environments for students and staff.
My long-term vision is to make Southfield Public Schools a leader in sustainability while reducing operating costs and protecting taxpayer dollars. By investing in energy-efficient buildings, solar energy, electric transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure, we can lower long-term expenses and free up more resources for classrooms, teachers, and student programs.
I also want our district to be ready for the future. That means preparing our facilities to participate in community solar programs once they become available in Michigan, helping connect Southfield residents to affordable clean energy while positioning our schools as community assets.
The goal isn’t simply to be greener. It’s to save money, improve student health, strengthen our community, and reinvest those savings where they matter most: our students.