The following was published by the City School District of New Rochelle.
A tribute from the New Rochelle Board of Education and Interim Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Karen Johnson on February 11. She was a special-education teacher at Albert Leonard Middle School and served the District and her students with distinction since 1998.
Ms. Johnson was a devoted educator who provided reading support and special-education instruction to middle-school students. She focused her efforts on supporting students in multiple aspects of their lives.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Johnson created, led and coached the ALMS STEP Team, which won first place in a national championship. In addition, she participated in ongoing fundraising efforts to support students in need. Ms. Johnson also informally mentored many students, helping them improve their school attendance and academic performance.
She will be remembered as having a heart of gold, a passion for helping others, and for being a wonderful teacher who impacted the lives of many students.
Ms. Johnson and her family are well-known in New Rochelle. Her husband, Robert F. Johnson, is a security guard for the City School District of New Rochelle. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he often operated the video camera that live-streamed New Rochelle Board of Education meetings.
Ms. Johnson will be dearly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to the Johnson family as well as to the staff and students of Albert Leonard Middle School. Treasured memories of Karen Johnson will sustain her students, colleagues and friends, and she will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The school hosted a virtual meeting for ALMS faculty on Friday and held a moment of silence for the school.
CSDNR psychologists and social workers throughout the district will be assisting ALMS to support students and staff members.
EDITOR’S NOTE: we have requested a higher resolution photo and will replace the photo provided by the District when we get it.
