Atlanta Public Schools announces sole finalist for superintendent – ​​WABE

An award-winning Tennessee educator is now the only finalist for Atlanta Public Schools’ new superintendent, the district announced Tuesday morning.

Dr. Bryan Johnson joins APS after serving as executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The APS board’s decision comes after months of searching for a candidate to fill the position following the firing of former Superintendent Lisa Herring in 2023.

According to APS, the board was looking for an equity-focused, experienced leader and chief communicator with knowledge of the city of Atlanta.

Johnson began his career as a teacher before moving into administrative positions, including serving as chief academic officer of the Clarksville Montgomery County School System.

He also has experience leading a school system, serving as superintendent of Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, Johnson received the Superintendent of the Year Award of Tennessee and was a finalist that same year for national superintendent.

The APS Board of Trustees noted that under Johnson’s leadership Hamilton County has successfully made it one of the fastest growing districts in Tennessee.

Johnson said he was impressed by the board’s “commitment to excellence and commitment to children” in its effort to find a strong leader.

“This is an important moment for me and I don’t take it lightly,” Johnson said Tuesday at the board meeting. “Our goal is to be the best urban school district in the country, and I firmly believe we are well positioned and ready to achieve that. »

Due to state law, the board will have to wait 14 days before formally voting on appointing Johnson to the position.

Johnson is looking forward to it.

“The opportunity we have to educate the children of Atlanta is critical…we came here with a mission, we came here with a purpose. So let’s get to work.