Despite the wishes of the Trustees, very little changed under Johnson. He was satisfied with the current academic curriculum and administrative procedures and was by no means an innovator. In the first year of his administration the school dealt with financial issues and debated whether the cost for teachers and assistants should be paid separately by the school or taken out of Johnson's salary. Samuel Farrar Esq., Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, proposed the latter as well as a plan to encourage more paying students and increase the size of the student body. Johnson fought Squire Farrar's plans, deeming them unjust and dangerous. In addition, he was according to others "too honest to resort to unscrupulous methods in enlarging the school." On April 28, 1834, the Trustees resolved that Johnson would simply earn $1000 each year, essentially abandoning Farrar's plan. Since then Principals have not held the responsibility to deal with financial matters.
