Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to welcome Dr. John Johnston to the Middle and High School Campus as Assistant Principal. Dr. Johnston brings more than three decades of classroom and administrative experience to Montgomery Catholic as he embarks on a new chapter to both educate and share the Faith. School President, Justin Castanza, shared “Dr. Johnston is an enormous addition to our school community. He brings expertise and experience to our Middle and High School, but also the compassion, fairness, and love of Christ. Eileen Aaron, Elizabeth Harbin, and I are excited about the opportunity to support the needs of our students and families with Dr. Johnston at our side.”
A native of Montgomery and graduate of Sidney Lanier High School, Dr. Johnston attended Auburn University at Montgomery and earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education. He carved out a 33-year career working for Montgomery Public Schools serving as coach, teacher, and administrator while continuing to advance his education. He spent his first two years teaching 7th grade at Bellingrath Junior High School, and the next nine years teaching at his alma mater, Lanier High School. While at Lanier, he became involved in the athletic program, coaching football, wrestling, and golf. Wanting to further his career, he stopped coaching to attain his master’s degree in School Administration.
Soon after earning his Administrative Certification, Dr. Johnston worked for four years as the Assistant Principal at Robert E. Lee High School. From there, he was awarded the opportunity to become the Principal of Goodwyn Middle School and Johnnie Carr Middle School, serving three years at each placement. While leading those two schools, he earned a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law from Alabama State University. While serving as the leader of Johnnie Carr, the school was prestigiously authorized as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme World School. Still wanting to advance, Dr. Johnston took a position as the Human Resources Director, overseeing the personnel needs of over 27 schools and departments for Montgomery Public Schools.
Dr. Johnston has been married to his self-proclaimed greatest asset for 25 years, Rockie Johnston, who is a special education teacher. They have three wonderful children – Olivia, Scott, and Mia. The Johnston family attends St. Peter Catholic Church, where Dr. Johnston has been serving as the President of the Parish Council for the last five years.
When asked about the new chapter of his life at Montgomery Catholic, Dr. Johnston shared, “After a career of serving the public-school students of Montgomery, I am ready to serve the Catholic School students in the River Region. My wife and I are not only advocates of education but supporters of religious instruction as well. Our kids began their schooling at Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic School. Daily we see the need for Christ in the lives of families. We also understand that accountability is the thread that connects education and Christ’s teachings.”
