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Two Rivers Principal Al Johnson announced his resignation in an email to families Friday evening. Johnson, who started at Two Rivers in July of 2021, will finish out the school year and plans to move to Texas to be closer to family.
“When I first visited Two Rivers, I wondered if the warmth of this community was real,” Johnson wrote in his resignation letter. “It seemed too good to be true. Four years later, I can confidently say—there is no fluff. This is a special place, and I will always be grateful to have been part of it.”
In his four years at Two Rivers, Johnson has become a beloved principal, earning rave reviews from students and families. He’s launched a number of initiatives and the school was named among the top 5% of high schools in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report.
Vowing not to be a traditional principal, Johnson is known for roller-skating the halls.
No word yet on a replacement or interim principal.
Resignation Letter
Here’s the letter Johnson sent to families:
Dear Two Rivers Families,
With a full and proud Warrior heart, I share some personal news—I will be stepping down as principal of Two Rivers High School at the end of this school year. This decision was not easy, but my wife and I have been feeling a strong desire to be closer to our family in Texas. In case you didn’t know, I have seven kids and seven grandbabies, most of whom live in Texas! My 85-year-old mother Mable also lives nine hours away from the Dallas area and it will be great to spend more time with her.
I want you to know that serving as the principal of Two Rivers has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Over the past four years, I’ve watched our school grow in numbers, spirit, and achievement. Together, we’ve created a school community where students feel a sense of belonging, staff support one another, and Warrior pride runs deep.
What I’ll miss most are the people—our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. From Friday morning dance parties with Kimber and Amalia in the front office to the everyday moments of connection in the hallways, I’ve been surrounded by kindness and a shared commitment to our students. When I first visited Two Rivers, I wondered if the warmth of this community was real. It seemed too good to be true. Four years later, I can confidently say—there is no fluff. This is a special place, and I will always be grateful to have been part of it.
While I don’t yet know what’s next for me in Texas, I know my work in education is not done. I plan to continue supporting students, particularly those who have experienced childhood trauma, and I hope to finish writing a book. I also know that I have a lot of catching up to do with my grandbabies and that no matter where the future takes me, I will always be a Warrior.
As far as the future of Two Rivers, you are all in excellent hands. This community was special before I arrived, and it will remain special thanks to our exceptional staff, school and district leadership, and families like yours. You will be hearing from the district soon about next steps.
We still have three full months together as Warriors. But I will leave you today with words that inspire me as a leader, from University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck: “Forget about me, I love you.” That is the heart of family, and that is the heart of Two Rivers. Thank you for allowing me to be part of yours. Together, we are #WarriorStrong.
With Gratitude,
Dr. Albert Johnson
Principal, Two Rivers High School
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