New OKC High School Principal Brings On-the-Court Success

Darren Brown, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new school year usually brings new teachers and administrators, but the 2011 school year is bringing 26 new principals to the Oklahoma City school district.

Charmaine Johnson is one of the brand new principals.  She's spent nearly the past thirty years as an educator in Texas and North Carolina.  Johnson has certain ties to Oklahoma though.  She graduated from Millwood High School and played basketball at Oklahoma State.

"Never thought I would be a principal," said Johnson.  "But y'know life has a way of just leading you and guiding you and opening up doors."

Johnson's taking the helm of Oklahoma Centennial Mid-High School, a school that's had its share of athletic successes, but has been lacking in the academic arena. 

"I didn't go into this blind," Johnson said.  "I knew the challenges both academically and as far as the environment."

Johnson is confident that the skills she learned on the hardwood will continue to serve her well in her first principal position.

"The discipline, the commitment, the focus," she said.  "All the things that it takes to be a good or great athlete go right into my career as an educator."

Oklahoma City Schools Superintendent Karl Springer agrees that the large number of new administrators marks a change from past years. 

"This is about change," Springer said.  "Across this country you see everywhere that urban school districts are under great stress and pressure.  We want to get out in front of that."