Clay Johnson Named Principal at Austin Elementary
Clay Johnson, in his 19th year with AISD, has served the last three years as an assistant principal at Bowie Elementary and Abilene High School. He spent his first 16 years in the district with the Cooper High School band, first as associate director for two years and then as director for 14 years.
“Clay Johnson brings valuable experience as both a program director and a campus administrator, and I am confident that under his leadership Austin Elementary will continue its tradition of great success,” said Superintendent Dr. David Young.
He succeeds Austin principal Alison Camp, who was recently chosen to lead the district’s grade configuration study during the 2021-22 school year.
“I am very excited to begin my new role as the principal of Austin Elementary,” Johnson said. “Austin is a school rich in history, and I am looking forward to serving the Austin community in this next chapter.”
Johnson is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and received his master’s degree from the University of Michigan.
Janaye Wideman Named Principal at Dyess Elementary
Janaye Wideman will bring seven years of elementary school administrative experience to her new position as principal of Dyess Elementary. She’s been an assistant principal and instructional coordinator at three different AISD elementary campuses and has been an educator for 16 years.
“Janaye has the unique ability to serve the Dyess community as an outstanding educator who grew up in an Air Force family,” Dr. Young said. “I am excited about her opportunity to bring excellent leadership to such an important campus as Dyess.”
“I am honored to be the next leader at Dyess Elementary,” Wideman said. “I look forward to joining the great work and traditions of the campus and working alongside the faculty, parents, community and Dyess AFB to ensure the success of our students.”
Wideman is in her second year as assistant principal at Stafford Elementary after serving a year in the same role at Jackson (now Alcorta) Elementary. She also has four years of experience as an instructional coordinator at Jackson and Jane Long elementary schools. Before entering administration, she taught eight years at Reagan Elementary and one year in Coleman ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington.
The Dyess position opened in March when current principal Chad Drake was chosen to be the next principal at Mann Middle School.
Shannon Marshall Named Principal at Thomas Elementary
Shannon Marshall joined Abilene ISD as a teacher in January, but she brings with her more than 10 years of experience as an elementary school administrator.
Marshall was serving as principal at Dalhart Elementary School when her family moved to Abilene at the end of the fall semester. She found an opening to teach English at Clack Middle School, and now has the opportunity to take the leadership role at Thomas Elementary. She succeeds Cindy Hay, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
“We are fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated educator like Shannon in our district,” Dr. Young said. “She brings a strong, instruction-focused mindset as evidenced by her return to the classroom this year.”
Marshall began her administrative career in 2011 as Mentor/Master Teacher at STARR Academy in Boys Ranch. She became assistant principal at Dalhart Elementary in 2014 and was promoted to principal in 2016. She previously taught elementary school in the Levelland, Sundown and Boys Ranch districts. Marshall has an undergraduate degree from Angelo State University and a graduate degree from Lamar University.
“I am so honored and blessed for the opportunity to serve as principal of Thomas Elementary,” Marshall said. “Together with the Thomas faculty, parents and community members, we will continue to grow young leaders that strive for excellence and academic growth.”
