Dr. Gene Johnson, who has been with the district for the past 22 years, said he's prepared to deal with challenges facing the district in the future, including finance issues and declining enrollment.

Johnson said that while the district is losing students, the district is still the second largest in the state of Kansas.

He said it's important the district continues to focus on academics. "We are here to learn, and our students do a great job with that," said Johnson.

Johnson said the district will add more programs for all levels to make sure all students get what they need. That might mean more renovations for some of the schools, he said.

Visit the Shawnee Mission district Web site at www.smsd.org.

Previous Stories:

August 20, 2008: Cedar Hills Elementary Named 'Kindest School'
August 20, 2008: Peer Model Program Thrives In Blue Valley
August 19, 2008: Students Gets Experience Beyond High School Classroom
August 19, 2008: Students Offered Chinese Language Program
August 18, 2008: Students Head To Class In Transferred Schools
August 18, 2008: Independence District Continues 21st Century Schools Program
August 15, 2008: New Shawnee Mission Superintendent Ready For School
August 15, 2008: Olathe Offers Culinary Arts Program
August 15, 2008: School Offers Dual Language Program
August 15, 2008: Students Get Inside Look At Legal Field
August 14, 2008: Food Court Offers Students Choices

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