Dr. Bryan Johnson steps into the role of Atlanta Public Schools superintendent on August 5, 2024, following a unanimous decision by the school board to confirm his appointment. Dr. Johnson, with experience as the previous superintendent for Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is tasked with navigating the Atlanta district’s particular needs, which he's become familiar with through town halls and discussions with APS board members. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Johnson's focus areas will be literacy and whole child social-emotional support, believing these must be woven into the fabric of student's education.
While Johnson’s dedication to improving literacy is clear, he’s also intent on broader visions for student preparedness, emphasizing the importance of graduates being equipped with practical skills and credentials for their post-school lives. “We want to make sure that we don't just graduate students and I've said this multiple times. To have a high graduation rate is obviously a goal. That's a metric that people look at. But we want to make sure when students walk across the stage that they're actually prepared,” Johnson explained in an interview featured on FOX 5 Atlanta.
However, with new leadership comes scrutiny, and Johnson is already drawing attention for his past initiatives. During his tenure in Chattanooga, he increased testing—a move met with mixed feedback. Former middle school science teacher Kendra Young told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “(It caused) extremely high stress," and "Not good for students, not helpful to teachers.” Despite these criticisms, many admired Johnson's achievements, including the implementation of Future Ready Institutes which granted students the chance to graduate with a credential.
Prior to his APS appointment, Johnson was lauded for his progressiveness in Hamilton County, recognized as Tennessee Superintendent of the Year and a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. His leadership extended beyond educational initiatives; during the pandemic, he worked with utility companies to expand internet access for low-income students, reflecting a responsiveness to the demands of modern crises. In a sentiment reflecting the anticipation of his arrival in Atlanta, Johnson stated at a meeting at Sutton Middle School, “This should be the best urban school district in the country. Period,” according to an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
As Dr. Johnson prepares to take the helm at APS, the community watches with eager but cautious optimism, hoping his past successes can be replicated and adapted to meet the unique challenges of educating Atlanta's youths.
