Johnny Johnson begins his first day as interim principal at Columbus High School today.
Johnson has been chosen by the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees to lead the school for the remainder of the school year. He is filling the place of Jill Savely, who took a position as educator in residence for the Early College High School at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus.
Johnson, according to his contract with the district, will be paid $45,000 for 65 days. He will serve as interim principal until May 30.
Johnson was previously the principal of Hunt Middle School in Columbus. He holds a masters degree in educational administration from Mississippi State University. Currently, Johnson serves as the Chairman of the R.E. Hunt Museum and the Cultural Center Board of Directors.
Johnson was not present at Monday’s school board meeting. He could not be reached for comment by The Dispatch.
Elsewhere in the district, CMSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Hickman told The Dispatch on Monday evening that Franklin Elementary School principal Patricia Overstreet will be resigning following the completion of this school year.
The Dispatch attempted to call Overstreet this morning and was told Overstreet was no longer with the school. District administrators did not return a phone call for clarification regarding Overstreet’s situation this morning.
School board president Angela Verdell, when reached this morning, confirmed Overstreet is on leave at this time.
Hickman said on Monday that Overstreet had been in communication with him about her intentions to resign. She was named the 2012-2013 administrator of the year by CMSD.
Hickman said the community, students and parents will be highly involved in picking replacements for new permanent principals at CHS and Franklin. The board has approved town hall meetings in which the community will discuss attributes they want from their principals. Committees of students and teachers will get a say on candidates, and their recommendations will be considered by Hickman when deciding who to propose for the position for board approval.
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