Photo Courtesy of Reporter Ryan Schisler.

 If any San Luis Obispo High School Tigers are unfamiliar with ASB, gov. Teacher Jim Johnson has been the advisor for ten years and counting. Not only has he changed what students refer to as ASB, but he’s also made SLOHS, a fun and inclusive campus in all the ways he could. 

  From events such as the Running Rally held this year to Sustainability Week, current ASB adviser and history teacher Jim Johnson is a force to be reckoned with. Johnson plans on retiring next year, and he has handed off the ASB adviser reins to veteran English teacher and former ASB adviser Craig Stewart.

 With that being said, Expressions decided to sit down with Stewart and hear his take on how the ASB classroom will change under his advisory. But after checking in with Johnson one more time.

Expressions: What´s specifically the reason for leaving the ASB classroom?

Current ASB and Government Teacher Jim Johnson: In my third year of teaching I started the ASB/Leadership program at a middle school that had no programs.  We put on dances, and activities etc.  It was a ton of work those first three years!!  A ton!!.  I eventually quit that job because the school district was so poorly run.  But ever since 1989 I have been involved in extracurricular activities in schools.  I have been teaching for 31 years, and there have only been three years I was not an activities director or coaching multiple sports….I am just tired of putting in so many hours,” said Johnson when asked his reason for leaving the ASB classroom.

Expressions: After the years of being the ASB advisor, many students will definitely miss your teaching. What has been your favorite part about teachiching and working with San Luis Obispo High School´s ASB?

Johnson: I get a lot of satisfaction and a lot of value out of putting events on for students to attend. And so my job is to help students do that. So when we have events that kids like, and they enjoy, it creates a sense of connection with everybody on campus. Whether that’s going to a rally or a dance, and you have people having a good time. It’s fun to work with kids that are putting on things for other people.

Expressions: Some SLOHS students are excited that english teacher Craig Stewart is going to be taking over ASB next year. What do you think Mr. Stewart will do in handling such a big task?

Johnson: As for Stewart, I have taken this ASB as far as I can, it is time for a new person with new ideas, new ways of doing things to move the ASB forward.  And, Stewart is the person to do it.  He is awesome!!  He sees things that I don’t, I am excited to see what the ASB becomes under his direction, it will be GREAT!!  I have really enjoyed working with him so far.¨

Expressions: What are you looking forward to next year being the official ASB advisor?

Future ASB Teacher and current English Teacher Craig Stewart: I am looking forward to working with the ASB class to put on quality events and activities for the student body.  ASB class is a great place to be.  It is where all the action starts.  I am very glad to be involved. 

Expressions: Are you looking into changing anything within the ASB classroom? The way it functions, events that get put on, etc.?

Stewart: I don’t have any specific plans to change things next year.  That is something that the ASB class decides.  With the campus construction getting closer to completion, we will be figuring out new ways to use the spaces available.  So inevitably some things will be different.  

 If you’re interested in applying for ASB next year Tigers you have a great future ahead of you. Johnson will be missed not only throughout San Luis Obispo High School´s campus, but the San Luis Obispo Community.