Bringing administrative and teaching experience from schools throughout the country, Ben Johnston has been selected as the new principal at Tullar Elementary. Johnston’s hire is pending approval by the Neenah Board of Education.

Johnston spent the past two years as the principal at Elk Meadow Elementary School in Bend, Ore. He previously served as Dean of Students at Obsidian Middle School in Redmond, Ore. for one year. Prior to his move to the west coast, he served as the Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Technology for the Pequot Lakes (Minn.) School District for seven years. He has nine years of elementary classroom teaching experience in Iowa and Texas from grades kindergarten through sixth grade.

“Ben is passionate about kids and that was evident throughout his interviews and in conversations with those who have worked with him,” said Neenah superintendent Dr. Steve Harrison. “He brings a calm demeanor and a track record of enhancing student success in the schools in which he has worked. We are looking forward to having him develop relationships with the Tullar students and families.”

Johnston has a wide range of experiences, having overseen professional development, gifted and talented programs, technology rollouts and special education co-teaching models in his various roles.

Johnston is a Minnesota native and attended Southwest State University (Minn.). He and his wife, Angie, have nine children, including three that are currently in school.