Dr. Paul O. Johnson, 88, of Salem, NH died Thursday, Oct. 23rd at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, MA.
Dr. Johnson was born in Charlestown, NH the son of the late Georgianna (Poisson) and Otis Johnson. He served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor during WW II. Dr. Johnson earned his Master’s Degree from Rivier College and his Doctorate from Boston University. He began his career in education as a teacher at Alvirine High School in Hudson, later becoming principal of Somersworth High School, then in 1962 he became principal of Woodbury High School. Dr. Johnson immediately campaigned for a new high school and in 1965, the town voted to build the school. He not only wrote the educational specifications but he worked directly with the architects. Far ahead of its time, the high school included a television studio and planetarium that served the community as well as the students.
Dr. Johnson served as principal of the new Salem High School for one year before being selected as Assistant Superintendent for School Administrative Unit #55. Six months later, he became the first Superintendent of Schools for the new School Administrative Unit #57, Salem. He served for more than twenty years, retiring in 1989. During his tenure as Superintendent, he added a library wing to the high school, a gymnasium that was the envy of administrators throughout the state and he built a 52,000 square foot addition to house the Career and Technical Education Center in addition to three new elementary schools and a substantial addition to the Woodbury School. He laid the foundation for many of Salem’s most successful and long lasting programs and student opportunities.
In 1974, he began the first Adult Basic Education program that offered opportunities to children and adults alike and integrated in-district special education services for students previously served in programs outside the school district.
Dr. Johnson served as President of the NH School Administrators Assoc., the President of the NH Interscholastic Athletic Assoc., and served on several committees of both organizations. He was a member of the New England School Development Council and was a member of the New England Assoc. of School Superintendents. He was a member of the Kiwanis, a Key Club advisor, a Boy Scout advisor and he was on the Board of Directors of NH Red Cross.
He wanted to be remembered as a person who brought students far more opportunities than they had before his arrival.
He was predeceased by his sister, Jennifer Tolaro.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Annette (Boucher) Johnson of Salem, NH; his children, David and wife Kathleen of Hopkinton, NH, Paula and husband Kurt Schulz of Manchester, NH, Mark of Litchfield, NH, Suzanne Johnson of Epping, NH and Donna and husband Edward Mosca of Manchester, NH and 11 grandchildren.
There are no calling hours. The Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, Oct. 28th at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Church, 40 Main St., Salem, NH. Burial of the urn will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Johnson’s name may be sent to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hosp, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or the charity of one’s choice.