Nassau County School District

Nassau County School District Announces the 2026–2027 Principal of West Nassau High School

After many years of dedicated service to West Nassau High School and the Callahan community, Principal Richard Pearce will retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Since joining West Nassau High School in 1995, Mr. Pearce has served the school in numerous roles, including coach, teacher, athletic director, dean, assistant principal, and principal. Throughout his career, he has supported and guided generations of West Nassau students and families, leaving a lasting impact on the school and the community he has faithfully served. Nassau County School District extends its sincere appreciation for Mr. Pearce’s years of commitment and leadership and wishes him the very best in his retirement.

As the district prepares for this transition, Nassau County School District is proud to announce that Melissa Johnson has been named the new principal of West Nassau High School beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. A proud graduate of the school’s Class of 2000, Johnson returns to lead the very campus that helped shape her educational journey.

Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of North Florida, where she also completed her teaching certification. She later earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University and holds a Principal II certification.

Johnson began her career in education, teaching fourth grade at Hilliard Elementary School, where she dedicated 10 years to helping young students build strong academic foundations. In 2017, she returned to her own elementary alma mater, Callahan Elementary School, to serve as assistant principal for three years. In 2020, she was named principal of Callahan Elementary, where she has served for the past six years, leading the school with a focus on student success, staff collaboration, and a positive school culture.

As she steps into her new role, Johnson brings a deep connection to the West Nassau community and a passion for continuing the school’s tradition of excellence.

“I am incredibly honored to return to my alma mater as principal,” said Johnson. “I look forward to building a legacy of excellence as the principal of West Nassau High School. I will always strive to do what is best for students and work alongside our dedicated staff to ensure West Nassau High School continues to be a place where students thrive.”

Johnson has been married to her husband, Michael, for 19 years, and together they have two children, Gunner and Sawyer Grace. Her strong ties to the community and commitment to education will continue to guide her leadership as she begins this exciting new chapter at West Nassau High School.