When principal Rita Pintavalle announced her retirement at the end of last school year, the shock was felt through the staff as well as students. The anticipation of who will fill her shoes was immense. Coming into the first days of school everyone was excited, and maybe a little apprehensive, to meet the man who would replace such an admired administrator. Dr. Jarrett Johnson, coming to Brazoswood from Lake Jackson Intermediate, has made quite the impact already and is ready to take the helm of the ship he inherits from Mrs. Pintavalle, immersing himself in the culture and finding ways to make it his own.
“I am enjoying the students this year. I try to spend as much time as I possibly can with them in their spaces. Whether that is the classroom, the hallways, or in the lunchroom to be able to get to know them by name, by interest, their hobbies and likes and things like that,” Johnson said. “I love the way that we do a great job of empowering our students to be active in things that matter to them and to pursue those interests, and I want to do my very best to support them in the ways that matter.”
After many meetings with other staff members and administration, Johnson is confident that he will be able to create a learning environment that students and staff can all enjoy and grow in, and help students to make educated and responsible decisions.
“I want a learning environment that is two things: smart and healthy,” Johnson said. “One where everyone knows what actions they should take in terms of if it is smart and healthy so that we can take the right action at the right time.”
During the first few weeks of the school year, Johnson has enjoyed being able to spend time with students, and has been observing the many different aspects of the school.
“Right now we are on the 11th day of school, so there is a lot for me to observe,” Johnson said. “What I desire is to take in as much info as I can, see how we do what we do, and if there is room to enhance, to refine, to improve what we do, then in time we will seize those opportunities.”
While speaking with Mrs. Pintavalle, Johnson shared how much he admires the foundation she has created for him to lead with. Working up to the standards Mrs. Pintavalle had in place and carrying on the work she did is something he has prioritized.
“Leadership is not easy in any area. When people are involved that have different strengths, they will also have different needs as well. I admire the foundation that I get to stand upon that Mrs. Pintavalle has laid, it’s a very rich and very strong foundation of student empowerment and positive culture,” Johnson said. “I want to continue to build a healthy and thriving school for the future. Every leader is gonna have their own priorities, and I am going to lead my own way.”
