For Dr. Rob Jackson’s 21st full day school visit, he got to know the Mighty Bears of Johnson Elementary. This school has a fascinating history that goes all the way back to the 1880s! According to Principal Angie Trantham:
On April 21, 1883, Robert B. Johnston and his wife Leonora donated one acre of their Johnston farmland to the Buncombe County Public School Committee for the purpose of building an elementary school. On this tract of land, the original Johnston Elementary School was established. Records show that this first building was a one-room, wooden frame building with a stove in the middle of the room. By 1919, Johnston Elementary School consisted of three separate rooms. In 1920, bonds were sold for a total of $40,000 for outlay purposes and in 1923, five more acres of land were purchased from the estate of Gwen Edwards for $500. In 1927, an additional three acres were purchased from the estate of R.B. Johnston for $2000. This acquisition brought the total property to nine acres, as it stands today.
Since the early 1950’s there had been many major additions to the original 1927 brick building:
In 1951, two additional classrooms were added to the original building, along with a lower level multipurpose area called the “gymatorium.”
In 1960, five more classrooms were added.
In 1964, a new gym/auditorium was added and was dedicated to Mr. Carroll R. Sorrells.
In 1976, a large open concept wing was built onto the back of the school.
In 1977 the cafeteria was remodeled.
In 1987, the playground was redesigned.
Demolition of the 1927 brick building began in late December of 1996. The construction of the current building followed shortly thereafter. The new building was completed and inspected in March 1998. Renovation to the present gym was completed in January 1999.
Fast forward to 2023 and here’s what Principal Trantham has to say about her school community:
“We LOVE the welcoming atmosphere and flexibility of our staff to meet all the academic and social-emotional needs of our students,” said Principal Trantham. “We have a core team that is dedicated to ensuring that Johnston succeeds, and we are committed to growing that team to include all of our wonderful community partners. If you haven't experienced the joy and excitement of learning recently, come and join our sweet kiddos at Johnston--you won't be disappointed.”
Ms. Trantham says her school is unique in many ways, especially in the diversity of cultures represented under one roof. Johnston students speak 30 languages including English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Moldovian, and Vietnamese!
