Who's Who in Elk Grove: Toby Johnson

One of our favorite quirks of the Elk Grove Unified School District is that it names schools after people who are still alive. You've likely heard of Toby Johnson Middle School. But are you familiar with Toby Johnson, the 94-year-old rancher and former educator? Johnson and wife, Sue, showed up at a school board meeting this week to see his namesake honored as a high-performing middle school by the California Department of Education. The gregarious nonagenerian planted a kiss on this reporter's cheek before answering a few questions about his life.

What's your connection to education?

I was in the business world for a number of years [at Ford Motor Company and the Cal Expo]. I came back to Sacramento from the Bay Area and ran into some friends of mine who were teachers. They said, 'Toby, you'll love it.' I went down to the little country school in Franklin.

That was in 1947. The gym was built by the Works Progress Administration. [The Franklin business district] was the nightlife spot on a Saturday. People were skating at the rink at night, farmers would come in and have a drink.

For how long did you teach?

More than 30 years. I was on the county board of supervisors for 16 years. I live on a ranch in Franklin and operated a dairy; it's just hay now.

Were you surprised when they named a school after you?

I was delighted.

What do you like best about the school that bears your name?

I guess the most interesting thing is the diversity of the school population. It's been a very remarkable school in so far as making young people feel that they're important. You talk about esprit de corps: they have it.

You've had a long life with many accomplishments. What are you most proud of?

Marrying Sue.