On May 11, 2026, we were honored to celebrate the renaming of the Memorial Grove at New Albany-Plain Local Schools in recognition of former Superintendent Dr. Ralph Johnson and his lasting impact on our district and community.

We were grateful to welcome so many friends, colleagues, and members of the New Albany family — past and present — to reflect on Dr. Johnson’s legacy and dedication to students, staff, and our schools.

A special thank you to the New Albany High School National Honor Society for their incredible work to reimagine the Memorial Grove in 2023 and for helping create a space that now stands as a tribute to Dr. Johnson’s leadership and service.

We also extend our appreciation to NAHS Principal Dr. Rob Russell, NHS Advisor Mrs. Jenny Core, and Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations Mr. Ken Kraemer, former NAHS Principal, for their leadership and efforts in making this meaningful recognition possible.

Finally, thank you to Mr. Jonathan Dawson, NAHS Social Studies teacher, for his heartfelt and touching remembrance of Dr. Johnson that beautifully captured the spirit of the day.

Dr. Johnson’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Eagles to come.

View the ceremony below... 
 

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The Board of Education of New Albany-Plain Local School District, Ohio, met in regular session on March 16, 2026, commencing at 5:30 p.m., at the New Albany-Plain Local Schools Annex Building, 79 N. High Street, New Albany, Ohio, with the following members present: 

Ms. Barber
Ms. Fuller
Mr. McClelland
Mr. Naumoff
Mr. Wilson

The Treasurer advised the Board that the notice requirements of Section 121.22 of the Revised Code and the implementing rules adopted by the Board pursuant thereto were complied with for the meeting. 

Ms. Fuller moved the adoption of the following Resolution: 

NEW ALBANY–PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

RESOLUTION NO. 26-27

A RESOLUTION TO NAME THE “DR. RALPH JOHNSON MEMORIAL GROVE”

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the New Albany-Plain Local School District recognizes the profound and lasting contributions of community leaders whose service has shaped the educational experience and success of generations of students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ralph A. Johnson served as Superintendent of the New Albany–Plain Local Schools for thirteen years and provided visionary leadership during a period of extraordinary transformation, growth, and progress for the school district; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, the school district advanced from modest academic standing to become one of Ohio’s most highly regarded school systems, consistently recognized for academic excellence and innovation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson championed the development of the district’s unique Learning Community Campus, bringing together students from kindergarten through high school on a single integrated campus designed to foster collaboration, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning; and

WHEREAS, through collaboration with civic leaders, educators, and community partners, Dr. Johnson helped guide the creation of the learning campus and its surrounding environmental and cultural resources that serve as the educational and civic heart of the community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson played a leading role in establishing partnerships that enhanced educational opportunities for students, including the development of environmental learning spaces and nature preserves that provide authentic, hands-on learning opportunities connected to science, stewardship, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson was a founding leader of the New Albany Community Foundation and helped establish philanthropic and civic collaborations that continue to
benefit students and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his extraordinary public service and community leadership, Dr. Johnson received numerous honors including the Jeanne and John G. McCoy Community Service Award and recognitions for leadership in educational excellence, the arts, and community development; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson continued to serve the profession of education beyond his superintendency through leadership roles including Superintendent-in-Residence at The Ohio State University College of Education, Director of Leadership for the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, and as a consultant and mentor to school leaders across Ohio and the nation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Johnson passed away on October 5, 2019, leaving a legacy of educational leadership, civic engagement, and commitment to students and community; and

WHEREAS, students of New Albany High School through the National Honor Society have undertaken the creation of a commemorative grove on the district campus as a service project to honor Dr. Johnson’s legacy and to provide a place of reflection and appreciation for future generations; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate that the Board of Education formally recognize the enduring legacy of Dr. Johnson by designating this space as a permanent tribute to his leadership and service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the New Albany-Plain Local School District hereby designates the commemorative grove established by the New Albany High School National Honor Society on the district campus as the:

“Dr. Ralph Johnson Memorial Grove.”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs the Superintendent and district administration to install appropriate signage recognizing Dr. Johnson’s contributions to the school district and the community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this designation shall serve as a lasting tribute to Dr. Johnson’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the students, families, and communities of the New Albany-Plain Local School District.

Adopted this 16th day of March, 2026 by the Board of Education of the New Albany–Plain Local School District.

Mr. Naumoff seconded the motion. 

Upon roll call on the adoption of the foregoing Resolution, the vote was as follows: 

Vice-President Fuller, yes 
Mr. Naumoff, yes 
Ms. Barber, yes 
Mr. Wilson, yes 
President McClelland, yes

TREASURER’S CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing is a true and correct excerpt from the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Education of New Albany-Plain Local School District, Ohio, held on March 16, 2026. Dated: March 16, 2026.
______________________      

Treasurer, Board of Education 

New Albany-Plain Local School District, Ohio