Longtime SC Educator & Superintendent to Lead Provost Academy South Carolina

April 22, 2009

Dr. Darrell M. Johnson Named Executive Director of State’s Newest Public Online High School

CHARLESTON, SC – April 22, 2009 – The Executive Director of South Carolina’s new public online high school, Dr. Darrell M. Johnson brings not only his thirty-plus years of experience in education as both an administrator and teacher; but also his leadership and vision as an early pioneer in the use of online education technology to open the classroom to the world and accelerate learning for students.

I have always believed that the goal of public education is to provide students and their families with the best choice for them to achieve academic success and prepare for the future, Dr. Johnson said. At Provost Academy South Carolina, I know we will accelerate the learning curve for all of our students and educate them in personalized and engaging ways.

Provost Academy South Carolina is a new state-authorized public online school that is free of charge to residents of South Carolina, and offers high school students the choice of an engaging, adaptable and quality online learning experience. Students work toward their regular public high school diploma – recognized by colleges and employers – as they would in a traditional school, but in the convenient, safe environment of their own home through computer-based educational programs.

For the past four years, Dr. Johnson has served as Superintendent for the Orangeburg (SC) Consolidated District 4, where all four of the high schools received Palmetto Gold Awards in 2008; and during the last two years, the district was recognized for closing the achievement gap.

In addition to Orangeburg, Dr. Johnson has served as Associate Superintendent to the Charleston County School District, and as Director of Personnel in the Darlington County School District.

We are extremely pleased and honored that Dr. Darrell Johnson, a solid educator and true innovator has accepted the leadership role at Provost Academy, said Peter Brown, chairman of the Provost Academy Board; and president of Colite International of Columbia. Dr. Johnson’s commitment to the mission of Provost Academy adds tremendous value and quality to the education experience our students will receive.

As Superintendent of the Galena (Alaska) School District, Dr. Johnson was one of the first public school administrators in the country to provide laptop computers to high school students. Education is not confined to school buildings, nor should it be limited because of physical location, Dr. Johnson said. In Galena, Alaska, I saw how high school students, many of whom were becoming increasingly disinterested in school, were offered an entirely new educational experience through technology.

I believe that online learning can revolutionize public education in this country, Dr. Johnson said, and students need and deserve the choice that best matches their learning style. I truly believe that Provost Academy will do just that for hundreds of young people throughout South Carolina.

Dr. Johnson began his career in education as a teacher and coach following graduation from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Dr. Johnson was awarded his Doctor of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, served in Vietnam, and received a Purple Heart.

Interested parents and students should visit the Web site: www.sc.provostacademy.com, or call: 877-919-PASC (7272) toll free.

Provost Academy South Carolina

Provost Academy South Carolina is an Online Public High School serving grades 9 to 12. PASC is uniquely designed to offer a challenging and flexible education option for students who want or need something different from traditional high schools. PASC is the only Online High School in South Carolina backed by EdisonLearning, the nation’s largest partner to public school districts and communities, with nearly 20 years of proven experience driving academic results in the K-12 classroom.