When Johnny Brown hits Disney World, he heads for his favorite spot. It’s those little dolls that sing “It’s a Small World After All.”

The pleasant characters from different backgrounds represent harmony and diversity, kind of like the spirit in which Port Arthur Independent School District ought to operate, Brown, PAISD superintendent, told Port Arthur Noon Sertoma Club members at their recent Pompano Club meeting.

Brown told members he had not been “bored” since taking the position in August. He said he’s up for challenges that will bring a positive change to the district.

With parents, students, faculty and community leaders bringing varied concerns to the table, it might be easier to “find the middle of the road and stay in that lane,” Brown said. But, he added, progress sometimes calls for shaking things up.

“The only way to get there is to make changes,” he said.

He called working in Port Arthur a “wonderful opportunity” to create higher expectations for students and called for “putting conditions in place to make it happen.”

Goals include organizing for success, maintaining an environment positive for learning and not spending one dime on anything that wouldn’t benefit the children, he said.

The Superintendent also stressed that support from parents and the public is important.

“The school cannot live apart from the community,” he said.

Despite news-making controversy, the district has much in its favor, Brown said.

“There’s a lot more going on that’s positive, rather than negative,” he said.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com