Dr. Merlyn Johnson takes up Cassville R-IV baton
Shown above, Cassville R-IV’s new superintendent, Dr. Merlyn Johnson, is shown with his wife, Amy (center) and daughters, Alyssa (right) and Reagan (front). Submitted photo.
July 14, 2021
Ezra DeVore
On July 1, Dr. Merlyn Johnson began his career as Cassville R-IV’s new superintendent. Johnson has previously held the superintendent position in two school districts: from 2010 - 2016 in Summersville, and in St. James, where he’s worked for the past five years.
After completing his education at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, at age 22, Johnson’s first academic job was with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, a maximum security prison in Newport, Arkansas. There, from 1997 - 1998, he taught the final classes needed for acquiring a GED.
“I think teaching in a prison taught me not to be intimidated by leadership,” Johnson said.”
After his experience with the Department of Corrections, he taught high-school-level science, math, and social studies in the boot-heel of Missouri, at North Pemiscot High School in Wardell, where he was also the baseball coach.
“I got some really great experience at those schools,” said Johnson. “I’m ready to bring that to Cassville.”
Johnson speaks highly of former Cassville Superintendent, Dr. Richard Asbill.
“Richard and I have a lot of respect for each other, and he reached out to me about this position before I applied. At the time, I was unsure if I should apply or not, and he gave me information that I felt would make me a great fit for Cassville, and Cassville a great fit for my family. We’ve been friends for many years; he’s been good to me.”
Johnson is originally from Alton and his wife, Amy, is from Van Buren.
“We have a lot of Ozark roots,” he said.
The Johnsons’ oldest daughter, Alyssa, is studying Speech-Language Pathology at Missouri State University, and their younger daughter, Reagan, will be entering third grade in the fall.
Amy Johnson is also joining Wildcat Nation as the new FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) teacher.
Amy has taught business for years, and “in many cases,” Johnson said, “what people don’t realize when they hire an Administrator or Superintendent is that the spouse is just as good or better. I think people are going to really enjoy getting to know Amy as well. She’s been a really great advocate for kids over the years.
“My goal is to represent what the voters want for their school,” Johnson continued, “what they want for their kids, and honor their wishes - as long as it's best for the kids. Honor the wants and needs of the community, and try to progress the district. Not just to be okay or good, but we want to be great. The kids at Cassville deserve the best education, and we don’t want to be second best to any other district in the area. We want to be the best.
“I'm excited about being a Wildcat,” Johnson said warmly, “and meeting people in the community.”
Johnson’s first day with the Cassville R-IV district was July 1.
Ezra DeVore
On July 1, Dr. Merlyn Johnson began his career as Cassville R-IV’s new superintendent. Johnson has previously held the superintendent position in two school districts: from 2010 - 2016 in Summersville, and in St. James, where he’s worked for the past five years.
After completing his education at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, at age 22, Johnson’s first academic job was with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, a maximum security prison in Newport, Arkansas. There, from 1997 - 1998, he taught the final classes needed for acquiring a GED.
“I think teaching in a prison taught me not to be intimidated by leadership,” Johnson said.”
After his experience with the Department of Corrections, he taught high-school-level science, math, and social studies in the boot-heel of Missouri, at North Pemiscot High School in Wardell, where he was also the baseball coach.
“I got some really great experience at those schools,” said Johnson. “I’m ready to bring that to Cassville.”
Johnson speaks highly of former Cassville Superintendent, Dr. Richard Asbill.
“Richard and I have a lot of respect for each other, and he reached out to me about this position before I applied. At the time, I was unsure if I should apply or not, and he gave me information that I felt would make me a great fit for Cassville, and Cassville a great fit for my family. We’ve been friends for many years; he’s been good to me.”
Johnson is originally from Alton and his wife, Amy, is from Van Buren.
“We have a lot of Ozark roots,” he said.
The Johnsons’ oldest daughter, Alyssa, is studying Speech-Language Pathology at Missouri State University, and their younger daughter, Reagan, will be entering third grade in the fall.
Amy Johnson is also joining Wildcat Nation as the new FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) teacher.
Amy has taught business for years, and “in many cases,” Johnson said, “what people don’t realize when they hire an Administrator or Superintendent is that the spouse is just as good or better. I think people are going to really enjoy getting to know Amy as well. She’s been a really great advocate for kids over the years.
“My goal is to represent what the voters want for their school,” Johnson continued, “what they want for their kids, and honor their wishes - as long as it's best for the kids. Honor the wants and needs of the community, and try to progress the district. Not just to be okay or good, but we want to be great. The kids at Cassville deserve the best education, and we don’t want to be second best to any other district in the area. We want to be the best.
“I'm excited about being a Wildcat,” Johnson said warmly, “and meeting people in the community.”
Johnson’s first day with the Cassville R-IV district was July 1.
