Assistant Principal Marolyn Haws agreed with the new principal’s assessment. “I was pleased that she noticed the community spirit that we have all worked to create at Desert Mountain,” she said.

Johnson comes from a family of educators, but didn’t develop an interest in the profession until she staffed a summer program working with elementary kids her sophomore year of college. She became a teacher instructing English for four years and serving as reading specialist for ten years. For part of that time, Johnson held the title of “teacher in charge” whenever the principal was off‑site. “I just got excited about the learning process,” she said.

She finds trying to balance her classroom time with handling staff development the most challenging aspect of being a principal, but enjoys working with children in the elementary grades because of their enjoyment of school. “I just love seeing children come and grow,” Johnson said.

Maws said the principal expressed interest in Desert Mountain’s “love and logic” philosophy and hopes she will embrace it. Manker, the current principal, adopted this method of disciplining with respect. He considers it as one of his greatest accomplishments during his six‑year tenure at the school. 

Johnson said one of her greatest moments as a principal happened recently during a surprise assembly to recognize her for the distinguished principal award. Her current school’s colors are red, white and blue and the students used those colors to make her a gift. “The children all made little hands that said nice things about me...and they were waving them,” she said.

Johnson plans to live in the Desert Hills or Anthem area.

Reach the reporter at ambria@thedesertadvocate.com.