By Staff
For more than a quarter of a century, A.D. Johnson has served Escambia County.
His decision to step down after 27 years as a member of the board of education was no doubt a difficult one. However, the decision to stay may have been more difficult.
We have seen Mr. Johnson attend board meetings when the effort to get there was enormous. Lesser individuals would have given up long ago, but his willingness and desire to serve carried him.
Mr. Johnson was elected to the board in November 1974. He served as chairman in 1975-76, 1980-81, 1985-86, 1990-2000. He resigned as chairman in November 2000 and from the board last week.
Now, the board will begin the search for a new member. In finding someone to take Mr. Johnson's seat, we suggest the board consider the following qualities: determination, dedication, perseverance, and a genuine desire to move our county schools forward.
Sometimes the decisions at the board table aren't easy. Often they're not popular. Mr. Johnson has handled his position well in all circumstances – the good times and the not so good.
We join Board Chairman Mike Goolsby in his standing ovation for Mr. Johnson. We wish him Godspeed.