June 17, 2025
Dear Johnson Middle School Community,
As we look to close out another remarkable school year at DC Public Schools (DCPS) and turn our focus
toward School Year 2025-2026, I am excited to announce that Marian Wilkins has been selected as the next principal of Johnson Middle School! I want to thank Johnson’s parents, families, and community
members who participated in this process, giving their time and attention and providing compelling
feedback in the selection of our new school leader.
Currently serving as Sousa Middle School’s 6th-grade Academy Assistant Principal and Assistant Principal of Mathematics and Career and Technical Education (CTE), Marian Wilkins brings nearly two decades of experience as an educator. Prior to joining Sousa in 2023, Ms. Wilkins served as the 8th-grade assistant principal at Brookland Middle School for three years and as an instructional coach at Kelly Miller Middle School for four years. She joined DCPS from North Carolina where she taught middle school
mathematics and social studies and served as an adjunct professor at North Carolina A&T State
University and Forsyth Technical Community College.
In her role at Sousa, Ms. Wilkins launched the school’s first CTE Academy and led targeted initiatives that resulted in a 500% increase in math proficiency, along with notable gains in student attendance and sense of belonging. She also spearheaded efforts to strengthen strategic family and community
partnerships and deepen relationships with elementary feeder schools, leading to increased enrollment
and smoother transitions into middle school.
Ms. Wilkins is grounded in the belief that strong
relationships, rigorous instruction, and a shared vision are essential to transforming student outcomes.
Ms. Wilkins holds an education specialist (EdS) degree in educational leadership and supervision from
The George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration in Special
Education from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education
(Math and Social Studies) from North Carolina Central University.
I am confident that the next phase of excellence at Johnson will lead to the continued development and
success of our scholars under the leadership of Principal Wilkins. I look forward to supporting her and
the entire Panther family in preparation for next school year. If you have any questions, please email me
at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Instructional Superintendent, Cluster VII