From left, Saco School Board members Jeff Richard, Carolyn Woronoff, Board Chair Jennifer Preble, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Beth Johnston, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Kevin LaRoche, Sarah Truman, and William Gayle honor Johnson with a street named after her. Contributed / Karen Garnett

The Saco School Board announced last week that the driveway to access the new schools will officially be named “Beth Johnston Way” in honor of the long-serving School Board member.

Johnston has served 20 years on the Saco School Board, championing the new schools project.

Superintendent Jeremy Ray said last week that the board discussed several street name options, but they went in a “different direction.”

As the street sign was unveiled, Johnston’s jaw dropped and she received a standing ovation from the audience, including many of her family members and friends.

“The board, City Council, and mayor all felt Beth’s volunteerism was deserving of a special way to honor her contributions to the schools,” Ray said.

Not only is Ray the ninth superintendent to have worked with Johnston, but he said she has navigated through countless meetings, budget battles, and RSU withdrawals, all while maintaining her steadfast vision of ensuring the new schools would become a reality.

“Her passion and perseverance have been a guiding light for all of us,” Ray said.

Johnston’s vision of building new schools in Saco became a reality this year, when Saco voters approved a bond to pay for a new Pre-K through Kindergarten school and a second building for students in grades one through five.

“Thank you Beth for everything you’ve done to make this a reality for the City of Saco and for the students,” Ray said.

Through tears, Johnston expressed her gratitude for the honor, saying she was absolutely “speechless” and surprised.

“I never expected this,” Johnston said. “I’ve always believed in the work we do together, and I appreciate the recognition for having spent a lot of time doing this.”

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail thanked not only Johnston for her contributions to the Saco community, but the whole Johnston family.

Long-term Saco School Board member Beth Johnston said she was shocked and honored to have the new school driveway named after her. Contributed / Karen Garnett

Over the years, Johnston’s family members, including her son and ex-husband, have served on both the School Board and the City Council – here ex-husband also served as Saco’s mayor.

“Beth’s dedication extends beyond the meetings and policies,” MacPhail said. “It’s a reflection of a deep love for our community.”

The Saco School Board said the decision to name the driveway after Johnston carries special significance.

In a statement, the board said the Beth Johnston Way is a model for youth in the Saco community to follow for years to come, and serves as a daily reminder about giving back to the community.

The newly named Beth Johnston Way will forever serve as a tribute to her lasting impact on the school district and her unwavering dedication to the future of education in the community, according to the board.

“I can’t believe this,” Johnston said. “I’ll try to keep doing a good job.”