Our new principal, Dr. Andrew Johnson, is a great addition to our staff this school year. Previously having taught at Hamlin and been principal at both Oldham-Ramona and ORR, he’s had a lot of experience working with students and staff. Dr. Johnson went to college at Northern State for his undergraduate degree and his first master’s degree, Dakota Wesleyan for another master’s degree, and the University of Sioux Falls for both his specialist degree and his doctorate. He says that his favorite part of his job is working with all of the students and teachers in the school.
Dr. Johnson is married to Cassi Johnson and has a three-year-old daughter, Fiona. He loves to read and talk with Fiona, and take her to fun places, like the zoo. He said that one trait that he and his wife both hope to pass down to their daughter is their strong work ethic and their humorous sarcasm. In his free time, Dr. Johnson has many activities he loves to do. His favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing, reading, playing Legos, watching superhero movies (specifically Batman), and reading/listening to Dave Ramsey. When it comes to football, Dr. Johnson is not a big watcher, but when he has time to, he is a big Vikings fan. He also loves to support all of the colleges he attended in their athletic events.
When asked the superpower he would wish to have, Dr. Johnson said that it would be invincibility. His death row meal would be a Diet Coke, barbeque ribs, wings, cheesy potatoes, and chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
One change for the school that Dr. Johnson and the school board are looking to possibly make is the use of the ACT for state testing instead of the NWEA testing we use now. This change is not yet confirmed, and still has to be discussed at the next school board meeting. The scores of this test are also what determine an open study hall for seniors. Dr. Johnson ended the interview by stating, “I’m very lucky to be here. The first few weeks have been excellent, and I’m looking to continue this throughout the rest of the school year.”
Image Source: https://www.madison.k12.sd.us/staff