Atlanta Public Schools welcomed its new superintendent, Dr. Bryan Johnson this morning, as he was sworn in to serve as the district’s 3rd superintendent in 11 years. Johnson’s arrival coincides with the start of the 2024-2025 school year, as 50,000 students return to classrooms across the city on Aug. 1 .
“The Atlanta Board of Education is thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with someone as accomplished as Dr. Bryan Johnson,” says Atlanta Board Of Education Chair Erika Y. Mitchell. “His diverse leadership roles throughout his career will be a tremendous asset, as he helps propel our District by pushing students toward success while advocating for the District’s needs.”
In his comments to attendees, Johnson remarked that he’s a man of few words but would focus on “action” and making Atlanta Public Schools the “absolute” best urban school district in the country. He discussed his time as a paraprofessional and his track as a teacher and school and district leader has prepared him for this role.
Johnson previously served as the executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and as superintendent of Hamilton County Schools.In 2021, Johnson was named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. He was also a National Superintendent of the Year finalist and recognized as a “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association.
The Atlanta Board of Education unanimously approved Johnson’s appointment on July 8, marking the beginning of his three-year contract starting today. He succeeds Dr. Danielle Battle, who has served as interim superintendent since September 2023.
Dr. Johnson’s The three year contract pays him $375,000 a year with a three percent raise the next two years, his moving expenses from Chattanooga are completely covered and he has a $1,200 per month expense account for travel and other discretionary expenses that he is not required to document.
Dr. Bryan Johnson’s tenure starts with him planning to visit every campus in the district over the next 100 days.