When Dr. Marvin Lishman officially retires after four decades as Head of School at Magnolia Heights at the end of the current school year, a familiar face will fill his shoes.
The school recently announced the Board of Trustees has selected Cliff Johnston as its next leader, effective for 2022-23.
“Johnston comes to us with a wealth of educational experience and leadership skills,” a statement from the school said. “Our dedicated search committee worked for several months with determination to find a leader who will continue the commitment to excellence and vision of Magnolia Heights.”
A 1993 graduate of Magnolia Heights School, Johnston is returning home with 22 years of educational experience under his belt. He is currently in his ninth year as Head Principal at Desoto Central High School in Southaven.
Johnston spent several years in the insurance business before beginning his career in education in August 2000 as a teacher as well as baseball and football coach at Independence High School. He was as a teacher and football coach at Horn Lake High School from 2006 through 2011 before being named assistant principal at Desoto Central High School in 2011 where he was promoted to his current title of Head Principal in 2016.
Johnston received his bachelor's degree from Delta State University and master's degree in Administration from Arkansas State University. He is married to Robin Johnston, and they have two sons Taylor and Jake.
“I am honored and blessed to be named the new Head of School for Magnolia Heights beginning next school year,” Johnston said. “As an alumnus, I want to see the school continue the standard of academic excellence that has been established throughout the years, and I am very excited about leading the school to new heights.”
Dr. Lishman, who has served as Head of School at Magnolia Heights for the past 41 years, issued the following statement on social media, “I would like to personally congratulate Cliff Johnston on his appointment as our new Head of School, and on behalf of our entire school and MHS families, we would like to give you a warm welcome. With your experience and dedication, I know that you will continue to build upon the strong foundation of Magnolia Heights School and instill our mission statement in all that you do. The future is bright at MHS, and we look forward to many more successful years on the Hill.”
Magnolia Heights recently retained its status as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024 for its unique implementation of Apple technology.
MHS is currently in the middle of a $5 million capital campaign with several funded campus developments and infrastructure upgrades. A new elementary school expansion was completed in December 2020, which added six new classrooms and a state-of-the-art STEM lab to the campus.
A new dining commons and courtyard will be completed this winter along with upgrades to several existing buildings on campus. The next capital phase will implement safety measures to the traffic pattern on campus and add expanded parking areas that will serve the school’s expected growth for years to come.
