I am proud of the achievements we have made together and this is only the beginning. From San Pedro to Watts, together we will reach our academic goals. I wish everyone a healthy, happy and productive school year.
On Monday July 18th, members of the LAUSD community, San Pedro community, and friends and family of William J. Johnston came together to celebrate the renaming of Cooper Community Day School to the William J. Johnston High School. Also in attendance were LAUSD Board Vice President Dr. Richard Vladovic and Superintendent Dr. John Deasy.
Dr. Johnston began his career with the Los Angeles Unified School District in the early fifties. He started off as a Math Teacher and Basketball Coach. He then moved on to become Principal, Assistant Superintendent of the Adult and Career Educational Division, and finally ended his career at LAUSD by serving as Superintendent for a decade from 1971-1981.
Among his many accomplishments as Superintendent, he established the All-District Honors Band, which unites 300 students from throughout LAUSD. The band has performed in the Rose Bowl Parade, at the World Series, at Super Bowls, inauguration and Olympic ceremonies, and much more.
It was an honor for Board Member Vladovic to present the action to the rest of the Board to name the school after Dr. Johnston. The naming of the school was a well-deserved honor for a man that not only was a great educator, he is an inspiration, a patriot, and a hero for many that are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
