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Knapp Students Learn about County Government

Second grade students at J.P. Knapp School interacted with four Currituck County government officials in an informative and amusing session designed to explain county leadership and how government works for the community.

Approximately 85 children and their classroom teachers received Commissioner Janet Taylor, County Manager Dan Scanlon, Sheriff Susan Johnson and Fire-EMS Michael Carter at J.P. Knapp on Monday, September 22, 2008.

Each county official explained their individual leadership roles in county government, as well as how they came to hold their current positions.

Commissioner Taylor explained how each member of the Board of Commissioners is elected, and how the board determines county policies. She compared the laws of a county to the rules within a classroom.

As a representative of the Moyock election district, Commissioner Taylor explained to the students that the citizens - and many of their parents - vote for Board members to represent the public’s views. She told the children how citizens may contact her and other commissioners about concerns, and how the Board works closely with county staff to carry out the policies.

County Manager Dan Scanlon discussed this further with the students. The children were amused to learn that Scanlon has “five bosses” - the members of the Board of Commissioners - and they enjoyed his comparison of a County Manager to a school Principal.

“It’s a good job, because we get to help people,” Scanlon replied, when asked by one student if he likes his job.

All four county officials received many interesting comments, short stories and questions from the children. In particular, Fire-EMS Chief Michael Carter fielded many about fires in Currituck County, with several children already raising their hands as he was just beginning.

Carter was able to use one question as a teaching point, discussing the “Stop-Drop-and-Roll” fire safety technique with the students. He also used the opportunity to teach the children other safety tips in the event of fire in their homes.

Sheriff Johnson also drew a large number of questions related to law enforcement and the county jail. The students were especially interested in the county’s K-9 Unit and wanted to know much about the dogs’ abilities, as well as the “doggie jail” operated by the Animal Control office.

Sheriff Johnson drew a number of humorous responses when, comparing her position to Scanlon’s, she told the children that “Your moms and dads are my bosses.” She then further explained the election process touched on by Commissioner Taylor and taught the children how the public can elect candidates they feel will do the best for the county.

She also taught the children about the many roles within the Sheriff’s Office, including deputies, detectives and Animal Control officers.

“Our job is to make sure everyone of you is safe,” Johnson told the children.

Throughout the discussion, the children maintained their attention very well and supplied an endless string of questions and comments. They were able to learn much of county government and leadership roles. Afterwards, the county officials left the children with Currituck County pencils, pads, and coloring and activity books from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire-EMS Department.

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© 2008 NE NC News.