Interview With Superintendent Marilyn Johnson

salineriverchronicle.com sat down with Warren Superintendent Marilyn Johnson on Wednesday, April 22nd, less than 48 hours after she surprised the community with her decision to resign effective June 30th.  She submitted her letter of resignation to the school board in a called meeting April 20th, and it was accepted by the board.  Prior to visiting with Mrs. Johnson, src talked with two school board members, both of whom stated they were surprised, and that the board had not asked the superintendent to step down.  They said it was her decision.

Mrs. Johnson told src that she had indeed made the decision, and it was for personal reasons and not due to any issues with the board, the school staff or constituents of the district.  She indicated it was just time, and she wanted more time with family and had no future job plans at this point.  The superintendent spoke highly of the administrators and teachers of the Warren District and indicated that everyone from the school board to the teachers and staff are working hard to educate the students.

Mrs. Johnson discussed the recent grading system that assigns grades to schools throughout Arkansas and stated that it does not totally represent the quality of education being provided in the district.  She pointed out assessments that indicate Warren is doing well in most areas and grades.  According to Mrs. Johnson a lot of changes are being made on the state and federal level that will impact how schools are rated.  She said one grade at Eastside School caused the grading to be poor.  She stated that in her opinion progress is being made.  Mrs. Johnson also indicated that several of the grades given Warren schools were within a fraction of being rated higher.

src asked Mrs. Johnson the status of several projects that the district is working on jointly with the City of Warren.  She talked about the tennis courts on John Scobey Drive, the multi-purpose indoor facility and rennovation of Axley Field into a quality soccer facility.  Some of the work is completed while a portion remains to be finished.

Mrs. Johnson told src she had loved working for the district and had worked the only way she knows how by giving it her all.  She leaves with great appreciation for all those who worked with her and wishes the school district all the best.  It is her opinion that education is moving in the right direction at Warren.