New principal likely to be last at old school
Michael Johnson is keenly aware that he will probably be the last principal to preside over the existing Evans Middle School.
Michael Johnson, a former assistant principal at Greenbrier High School, is the new principal at Evans Middle School.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"It's like history is being made here," said the 38-year-old, who was recently named the school's new principal. "I feel privileged and honored to be in such a prestigious school."
A new Evans Middle is under construction on Hereford Farm Road and is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year. The current campus, at the corner of Washington and Belair roads, will become a shopping center after the new school is ready.
"I know there are going to be a lot of folks emotionally attached to this old building, because it used to be an old high school," Johnson said. "I think once they see we're making progress, they'll be at ease. We're bettering our situation.''
The husband of a Richmond County school teacher and father of two has served as an assistant principal at Greenbrier High School for the past two years. He credits former Greenbrier Principal Sandra Carraway, who was recently promoted to an assistant superintendent, for preparing him for his new role.
"I felt when I came into Greenbrier, I knew a lot about administration, but Dr. Carraway brought me full circle," Johnson said. "She was a great mentor, leader and friend."
Before serving at Greenbrier, Johnson was an assistant principal for three years at Gibbs Middle School in Columbia. He taught science for eight years at Sego Middle School, where he also served as head football coach and athletic director.
Johnson, an Evans resident, said he is anxious to start his new position.
"My main goal is to get in and to make sure we're instructionally sound, making sure all my kids are receiving a quality education," he said. "My next thing is to get us prepared for the transition of the old building to the new building.''
To better facilitate the move, Johnson is creating a transition team. Although preparing for a move is an additional hardship most first-year principals don't have to face, Johnson said he isn't phased by the extra work.
"I'm excited and my faculty members are excited," he said. "There's a lot of history in this building, but they're really excited about getting into a new, state-of-the-art building."