Health issues have forced math teacher Dustin Johnson to leave his current position at Wenatchee High School and he will be replaced by James Swanson.

With Johnson taking a year off to recover from his emergency heart surgery, the position for a new mathematics teacher had been left open. According to Principal Bob Celebrezze, the position was filled quickly by the experienced and highly qualified Swanson. Having taught for 17 years at Tonasket High School, Swanson is bound for a much bigger school.

“Totally his decision,” Celebrezze said, speaking of Jackson’s decision to take time off for a full recovery. “He is a family guy and health comes first.”

Not only do the two teachers have a love of math in common, but they also care about family. Swanson will be moving from Tonasket with his son, who will be continuing with his sophomore year at WHS.

The contract of Swanson will not be continuing at this point, however he will start teaching when classes resume from Winter Break Jan. 5.