Johnson named principal at Luther Branson school

FARMHAVEN — Ranata Johnson says she is honored and privileged to return home and serve as principal at Luther Branson Elementary east of Canton. 

“I’m looking forward to serving the Farmhaven community and continuing the legacy of ‘Excellence Every Day,’” Johnson said. “It is my goal to continue to build on the foundation of academic excellence that is already in place at Luther Branson.” 

Johnson is married to Rashad Johnson, and their daughter Reagon will be a freshman at Germantown High School this fall.

Johnson will begin her time as principal on June 7, as Jessica Smith, Luther Branson’s current principal, transitions to the role of Director of Federal Programs for Madison County Schools. 

This appointment is a homecoming for Johnson, who served 15 years in Madison County School, seven of which were as an instructional specialist at Luther Branson. She has also worked as the English language arts curriculum lead for Jackson Public Schools, and a humanities implementation leader for curriculum developer Great Minds. 

Madison County Schools Superintendent of Education Charlotte Seals said the district is thrilled to welcome Johnson back. 

“Not only is she an outstanding leader and administrator, but she is well-known to the Luther Branson community and will be such an asset to continuing and building on the school’s record of excellence,” Seals said. 

Johnson is a graduate of Velma Jackson High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo College, and both a master’s and education specialist degree from Mississippi College. 

Luther Branson is located in the Farmhaven community in northeast Madison County and was ranked highest in the district and eighth in the state on MAAP testing in 2022.