Washington County, VA school parents show support for resigned elementary principal

ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – Many parents, faculty and staff members attended the Washington County, Virginia Board of Education meeting on Monday to voice their concerns about the resignation of Abingdon Elementary principal Jeff Johnson.

Many who spoke during public comment said Johnson’s resignation came as a shock.

Parents said they learned of his resignation from an email. Many in attendance were wanting to learn more about the surprise resignation.

Ashley McCoubrey is a parent, a newly hired staff member at Abingdon Elementary and also served as a substitute teacher. She said Johnson was always helpful.

“He was constantly checking in to make sure that we didn’t need anything, that there was nothing he could help us with and any issues that arose,” McCoubrey said. “And as you can imagine, with a substitute teacher that can vary as we’re not as familiar in the specific classrooms that support with with huge he was incredibly personable and approachable.”

“I got to see firsthand how much the students at Abingdon Elementary School love Mr. Johnson and how much they thrive under his leadership. That feeling of safety and security in your school really fosters an ability for students to learn, for them to thrive in that environment. And I think that’s something that he provides them that goes above and beyond.”

McCoubrey said before the resignation email came in, parents received one stating Johnson would be out of the building and a substitute principal would be in place. She said her and other staff members were looking forward to Johnson’s return.

Andrew House has two children in Washington County Virginia Schools. He said Johnson has made an impact in his children’s lives.

“Mr. Johnson has been an absolute blessing especially to my daughter,” House said. “She’s gone through quite a bit of trouble just going from one location to another, and he’s made the transition phenomenal. Honestly, if it wasn’t for him, things would be ten times worse. And I’m absolutely grateful for him.”

House said students were excited to go to school and parents were more involved under Johnson’s leadership.

“He’s been a huge impact to morale with students, with morale with teachers.”

House wants clarity on the resignation and would like the school board to see the camaraderie behind Johnson.

“Telling from from how loud we are, from how bonded, rallied together that we are about this, that should tell you that this principal is not only making a huge impact in the school, but also at home as well. And I think that they need to take that into consideration and really look and see how impactful Mr. Johnson really is.”

Asbestos found in Abingdon Elementary was also a matter of discussion at the meeting. McCoubrey said she doesn’t believe the asbestos has anything to do with the resignation.

News Channel 11 reached out to Superintendent Keith Perrigan last week about Johnson’s resignation. He said the school system does not discuss personnel matters. He also said a substitute principal is in place and they will get a permanent one as soon as possible.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.