Principal, Dawn Johnson
Dawn.Johnson@okaloosaschools.com

Dawn Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. A military move brought her family to Florida where she began her educational career in Okaloosa County School District in 2009. She taught Kindergarten at Longwood Elementary School for five years before transferring to Florosa Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten, first, third, and fifth. Her peers selected her as the teacher of the Year at both Longwood Elementary School and Florosa Elementary School.  In 2017 she was recognized as a top 3 finalist for Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year.  Her teaching methods provided the opportunity for others to observe her and her students as a model classroom. After obtaining her reading and gifted endorsements she knew it was time to pursue her dream of being a school leader. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida in 2018. Ms. Johnson was the Assistant Principal at Elliott Point from 2021-2024. 

Ms. Johnson is the mother of two children, Heather and Ryan, who are both graduates of Choctawhatchee High School.  She also has one grandson, Rory. 

Her philosophy and belief are in a growth mindset.  She recognizes that it encourages and allows students and teachers to take risks, seek feedback, learn from their mistakes, become motivated to face challenges head on, and put forth the effort to succeed. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” 

Assistant Principal, Lisa Jones
JonesL2@okaloosaschools.com

Lisa Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of West Florida. After nine years of working in a hospital laboratory, Ms. Jones went back to school to become a teacher.  She moved her family to Okaloosa County in 2001 where she taught Biology at Niceville High School. She then earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida. From there Ms. Jones spent 3 years working in Curriculum and Instruction as a science coach for the school district. She was later named Assistant Principal at Longwood Elementary, where she spent 4 years.  In May 2023, Ms. Jones was named the assistant principal at Mary Esther.  

Ms. Jones has two daughters, who are both graduates of Niceville High School, and 4 grandchildren who are her greatest blessings.  

Ms. Jones believes that building relationships with students is the most important thing an educator can do. Strong relationships between students and their teachers can substantially impact student achievement, and relationships built on trust and respect will also increase motivation and learning in the classroom.