W.A. Perry assistant principal named 2023 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators

W.A. Perry Middle School assistant principal Dr. Lisa Payton-Johnson has been named the 2023 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE).

Dr. Payton-Johnson was surprised with the award during W.A. Perry’s second quarter academic celebration January 18.

“I’m very excited to have received this award. It was definitely a surprise. I’m thankful for everyone who has shaped me into the person I am,” said Dr. Payton-Johnson, who has been an assistant principal at W.A. Perry for 14 years.

Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon and representatives from SCABSE helped surprise Dr. Payton-Johnson.

W.A. Perry Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Lisa Payton-Johnson has been named the 2023 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE). From left to right are: Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon; W.A. Perry Middle School Principal Dr. Robin Coletrain; W.A. Perry Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Lisa Payton-Johnson; Eric Jeffcoat, SCABSE’s incoming president; Dr. Zona W. Jefferson, SCABSE’s interim executive director; and Dr. Reggie Wicker, SCABSE’s immediate past president.

“Dr. Payton-Johnson is a quiet leader but a leader nonetheless. As the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, she is working with teachers on all grade levels, making sure they have the instructional materials they need and making sure the teaching and learning process is working. We appreciate her efforts at W.A. Perry. We appreciate her for being a part of Richland One,” said Dr. Witherspoon.

SCABSE’s mission is “to ensure a high quality education for all children, particularly for African-American children by establishing coalitions, providing forums, facilitating the placement of African-American professionals and influencing public policy.”