Grad spotlight: Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson, Fair Oaks Elementary School’s building engineer, grew up attending Osseo Area Schools from grades K-12. The 1992 Osseo Senior High School grad now lives a fair distance away from his hometown, but that doesn’t stop him from continuing his career within the district.

“One of the main reasons I came back here is because I had such a good experience in school,” he said. “Management has really believed in me and supports me in everything I do, and I show the same favor right back. That’s where my loyalty stems from.”

After spending 25 years as the owner of a construction company, Johnson said he needed a career change to fit he and his family’s desires for more stability and predictable working hours. He has now worked at every school in the district for the past 11 years, taking on a variety of roles such as grounds and maintenance, painting and custodial work before moving to Fair Oaks four years ago. 

As a building engineer, Johnson said he oversees cleaning and maintenance and serves the school’s staff and students to ensure the building works for all - whether that means to repair broken items and equipment, hang things, ensure heating/cooling systems are working properly and more. 

In addition, Johnson steps in as part of the school’s team of supportive adults who help students. He and co-worker Allie Hill run a lunch helper program with over 50 students who volunteer to help with lunch clean up tasks like sweeping, table wiping and also assisting the school’s younger students during lunch. 

“It gives them purpose and responsibility, teaches them how to clean and have a good work ethic,” he said. 

Also, Johnson works in conjunction with staff in the behavior intervention room to help students who need higher levels of support. With the student and their parents’ approval, Johnson works with these students around the school, finding projects for them to help with while he simultaneously meets them where they are at and mentors them along the way. 

“I talk to them, ask them questions, maybe give some examples of similar things that might pertain from my life or my child’s life,” he said. “I just try to help them and come alongside of them.”

Lastly, Johnson plays one more role in the school: serving as the resident Batman. Batman is a character Johnson said he’s loved since childhood. He decided to put a Batman flag up in his office as a way to connect with kids, who typically know of Batman. Co-workers added to the fun by posting a poster of Batman on his door which bears a striking resemblance to Johnson. Now, many students know Johnson to be the school’s resident Batman and will come looking for his assistance or to ask him about it. Johnson said it’s simultaneously a running joke amongst he and the older students and a source of awe and wonder for younger students. 

“They know they can talk to me and get help from Batman - whether they are happy or sad,” he said, recounting a recent incident where a young student in tears came running to his office, looking for Batman to help find their missing bracelet.

For those curious: Batman saved the day on locating that special bracelet. 

“It gave that safe place for this child who knew she could run right to Batman and get the help she needed,” he said. “It’s been really cool to see the kids light up with it and share a connection.”

“Robert is the heart of our school’s operations, always showing up with dedication and a can-do attitude,” Fair Oaks Principal David Freeburg said of Johnson. “His quick response to staff needs and his warm, friendly interactions with students make him an essential and beloved part of our school community.”

While he’s enjoyed working in all the district’s schools, Johnson said he finds something special about Fair Oaks in the community the staff has created and the shared drive they have to form relationships with students to give them a supportive, nurturing environment that holds students accountable and helps them thrive in their early educational years. And, all the while, he said they make work fun and enjoy one another’s company along the way.

“This is a group that really cares about these children on a personal level, and we want to see them succeed,” he said. “It’s broadened my whole horizon on looking at life from the lenses of a child - it’s really, really cool.” 

Outside of his work life, Johnson enjoys playing the drums in two bands, biking, hunting, fishing, golfing with his wife, woodworking and completing remodeling projects, among other hobbies.