When Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart went through the routine action of retiring Major Mike Johnson’s firearm before the Board of Public Works and Safety as a result of the Major’s retirement, the Chief told board members Mike Johnson was about to start another job but could not reveal that future employer at that time.  Wednesday night, we discovered Mike Johnson’s career change – the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board officially hired Mike Johnson as the new Director of School Safety.

Ryan Taylor had security as part of his responsibilities as an HSE administrator, but upon Mr. Taylor’s retirement, the administrative staff has been restructured, according to Board President Julie Chambers, allowing Mike Johnson to take on the responsibility of school safety for the district in a newly-created position.

“During the interview process, I think everybody sitting around the table knew he was definitely the best candidate,” said superintendent Yvonne Stokes.  Dr. Stokes pointed out that in addition to his law enforcement experience, Mr. Johnson holds a teaching degree.

“School safety and school connections to the city became my life’s work,” Johnson told school board members.  “To have the opportunity to come here and continue in my next chapter as a school safety guy, I’m the luckiest guy in the room.”

During his 29-year career with the Fishers Police Department, Mike Johnson spent time as a DARE officer and school resource officer.