Atlanta Public Schools and the Atlanta Board of Education celebrated the swearing-in of Dr. Bryan Johnson as the new superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools on Monday, August 5, 2024.
Dr. Johnson is a former corporate executive and an accomplished K-12 leader. He was previously the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. From 2017-2021, he served as superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, which became the fastest-improving school district in Tennessee under his leadership. He has received numerous accolades for his leadership, including being named the 2021 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and being a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year.
After a nearly year-long search, Atlanta Public Schools has its new leader for the district and he’s ready to get to work.
“I’m humbled to have this opportunity,” Dr. Johnson said. “You think about the history and legacy of Atlanta Public Schools, and I think for me specifically, it means a lot.”
“Thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve the children of Atlanta,” he added. “It doesn’t fall on me lightly that this is a significant responsibility and a significant opportunity.”
Dr. Johnson, who has already started visiting schools, plans to continue until he visits each school as a part of his 100-day plan. Former interim superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle and the Atlanta Board of Education have been working with Dr. Johnson to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition period as he officially begins his new role.
During Dr. Battle’s tenure as the interim superintendent, she stuck to her principles of leading forward with C.A.R. E. (compassion, accountability, respect and empathy). APS rolled out the Readers are Leaders initiative, shifted district resources, personnel, and investments closer to the classroom, and operated with transparency in ensuring two-way engagement with students, families, teachers, principals, GO Team members and the board on the issues important to them.
“As I conclude my role as interim superintendent of APS, my heart is filled with a mix of gratitude and pride,” Dr. Battle said. “Serving our exceptional district has been an honor and I am deeply appreciative of the journey that we’ve shared. APS is a special place, and I will always cherish the people, the memories, and the impact that we’ve made on the children and communities of Atlanta.”
Dr. Johnson will begin his first week as superintendent visiting schools and implementing his vision for APS.
“We are committed to excellence, and when we say that we want excellence everywhere,” Dr. Johnson said. “I believe that Atlanta Public Schools will be the absolute best urban school district in the country. I say that because there is deep investment in APS. There’s deep talent in APS, and there is a commitment to seeing it happen. I am excited to get to work.”