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By Dominic DiGiulio
As many of you are aware, Kenmore West Principal, Mr. Dean Johnson, is leaving Kenmore West at the end of the 2024-2025 school year and transitioning into the role of Principal of Hoover Middle School. Mr. Johnson will be greatly missed at Kenmore West. He has given 17 years of service in administration and has helped grow not just our school, but the sense of community within. I was pleased to be able to sit down with Mr. Johnson and talk about his tenure at Kenmore West and his new, exciting future at Hoover.
(The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
DiGiulio: Thank you so much for sitting down with me again, Mr. Johnson. As someone who’s worked closely with you over the past few years, I really appreciate the chance to help reflect on your time at Kenmore West as you prepare to transition to your new role at Hoover.
Johnson: Thank you, Dominic. I appreciate the opportunity to talk and share some thoughts with the Blue Devil Beat.
DiGiulio: So, let’s start with the present. How are you approaching your final few weeks at Kenmore West?
Johnson: Honestly, my focus is finishing the school year strong. The end of the year is always a busy and exciting time with exams, special events, and celebrations. My focus is on seeing things through and making sure we’re in a good place as a school. I also have a couple of projects I’d love to either complete or get off the ground before I officially leave.
DiGiulio: What do you hope students and staff remember most about your time as principal?
Johnson: My goal has always been to lead with kindness, respect, and a focus on what’s best for our students and school community. I hope I’ve contributed to creating an environment where people feel valued and included, and that students feel proud to be part of Kenmore West.
DiGiulio: Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of being principal? And what’s been the most challenging?
Johnson: The most rewarding part by far is watching students grow. You see them come in as eighth or ninth graders, and then walk across that stage at graduation; it’s an incredible transformation. The biggest challenge? Probably the fact that every day is different, and you’re constantly faced with new, unexpected situations. But that’s also part of what keeps the work so engaging and interesting.
DiGiulio: What originally led you to pursue a career in education?
Johnson: I actually started out interested in science. I loved understanding how things worked, especially the natural world. Teaching gave me a way to share that curiosity with others. Over time, colleagues encouraged me to move into administration, and I found I really enjoyed supporting students and staff on a broader level.
DiGiulio: Were there any people who inspired or mentored you along the way?
Johnson: Definitely. I’ve learned from many people over the years: students, administrators, faculty and staff. The people who made the biggest impression on me were those who are positive, kind, principled, hard working, and committed to improvement. They really modeled the kind of leader I’ve tried to be.
DiGiulio: Going back to 2008, when you first became an assistant principal, what stands out most about those early years?
Johnson: The jump from teaching to administration was big—suddenly you’re dealing with large student caseloads, scheduling, hiring, evaluations, school improvement plans, and all of the building operations and procedures. When I became principal, it was more of a shift in the level of responsibility.
DiGiulio: How would you describe the school environment in 2011 compared to now?
Johnson: There have been many changes over the years. In 2011, we had about 1,600 students and were still a grade 9–12 building. We shifted to an 8–12 configuration in 2016. We’ve also implemented various initiatives over the years. The two most significant and long-term challenges I experienced during my time as a principal at KW were the global pandemic and smartphones. We have been working through many of the setbacks experienced from the global pandemic. In terms of the cell phone, when I began as a principal, the smartphone was just starting to gain popularity. Now in 2025, almost all of our students have a smartphone at KW. This has presented several challenges for learning, social-emotional wellness, and school life.
DiGiulio: Speaking of phones, how are you handling the current cell phone situation as your time here is winding down?
Johnson: We’ve been collecting feedback from students, staff, and even looking at what’s happening at the regional and state level. Right now, we follow the “off and away” procedures in class, but there’s definitely a conversation happening about how to best move forward. We’re making sure it’s thoughtful and includes all perspectives.
DiGiulio: How would you describe your leadership style, and has that changed over time?
Johnson: As a leader at KW, I believe strongly in the importance of relationship-building, trust, collaboration, and communication. I also believe that it is important to distribute leadership roles, build leadership capacity at all levels, and stay patient with the process. You can’t do everything all at once. You have to be thoughtful with how you prioritize and time major initiatives.
DiGiulio: If you could go back and tell your 2008 self one thing, what would it be?
Johnson: It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and pressure, but always celebrate the wins, appreciate the people, and don’t lose sight of the joy in what we do.
DiGiulio: Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to at Hoover?
Johnson: It’s definitely a new adventure. I’ve spent my entire administrative career at West, so going to Hoover is a chance to grow in a different way. I’m excited to work with middle school students and do everything I can to prepare them for success at KW. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the Hoover Middle School students, staff, and community. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to continue to build upon their successes.
DiGiulio: What are you going to miss most about Kenmore West?
Johnson: Without a doubt, the people. The students, the faculty, the staff—I’ve spent 17 years here, and those relationships mean a lot to me. I’ll miss the school spirit and traditions, the events, the musicals, the parades, and the Blue Devil school life. KW has a strong culture where people feel like they belong, and that’s really special.
DiGiulio: Is there anything you’d like to say to the students and staff before you go?
Johnson: Thank you for your support over the years. Kenmore West will always have a special place in my heart. I’m proud of what we’ve done together, and I’m excited to see how the school will continue to grow.
DiGiulio: Thank you again, Mr. Johnson, for taking the time to do this interview. On behalf of all of us at the Blue Devil Beat—and I’m sure many students and staff—I just want to say thank you for everything you’ve done for this school!
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