Johnson Central High School
A new era in education in Johnson County began on September 10, 1968 when 1200 students and 60 teachers assembled at the new Johnson Central High School. It is difficult to imagine the air of excitement which accompanied both the students and the teachers as they began a new school year in a new consolidated school.
Harold L. Preston, former principal at Meade Memorial High School and the new school's curriculum director, wrote "In retrospect, one wonders in awe at the near normalcy for opening a school year. Here was a physical plant as large as probably all four previous high schools! Here was a freshman class as large or larger than the total enrollment in the student's previous school!
Here was a staff of teachers as large as many of the former graduating classes! Here, there were more strangers than acquaintances!"
Discussion of consolidation in the county system began in the early 1960s. The administrations of Bill Stapleton, and later Virgil Porter, explored the idea with faculty, students, school board members and, eventually, parents and voters. Local school pride, mascots and athletic programs had held the affection and loyalty of student, faculty and parents for more than 30 years. It was not easy to see all of this extinguished.
Nevertheless, in 1965 the voters of Johnson County approved a tax levy for the construction of a new consolidated high school. The new county system was on its way.
Early staff included W. H. Conley, Principal, Harold Preston, W. R. Conley, Jonah Belcher, Arlon Isaac, Gracie Preston, Ruth Salyer and Howard W. Wallen.
One of the biggest problems for the new school was transportation. Developing a transportation schedule for a large countywide high school and five elementary centers was an enormous task. Whatever the morning schedule, it had to be reversed to meet the travel needs of student returning home in the afternoon. Class schedules and curriculum were adjusted to accommodate transportation. Revisions and modifications were made almost weekly that first year.
As the years progressed new athletic programs and new facilities have been added. The Johnson Central Golden Eagles and Lady Eagles now have swimming, wrestling, track, cross country and golf, in addition to the traditional football, basketball and baseball teams. A new tradition, with a new mascot and symbol, began to emerge. Now, more than 30 years later, no one can doubt that there is "Golden Eagle Pride, County Wide."
Like its rival across Paint Creek, Johnson Central made its presence known in academic competition, as well. In regional and state competitions, students from throughout Johnson County scored outstanding records against students from other counties. Central, too, is proud of the graduates it has sent on to graduate and professional degrees and to military academies.
