The Atlanta Board of Education (ABOE) announces Dr. Bryan Johnson as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Johnson currently serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previously, he served as Chief Transformation Officer for U.S. Xpress Enterprises and as Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools from 2017 to 2021, where the district became the fastest-improving school district in Tennessee.
“The Atlanta Board of Education is thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with someone as accomplished as Dr. Bryan Johnson,” says ABOE 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.”
Due to Georgia law, the Atlanta Board of Education must wait at least 14 calendar days before taking final action on the position.
The board will vote on Johnson’s appointment on July 8.
Dr. Johnson will support district-wide efforts to propel APS’ high-performing and caring learning culture. He will also focus on collaborating with ABOE to implement and build upon strategies and initiatives to advance the district.
“I am honored to be selected as the sole finalist for this role,” says Dr. Johnson. “I deeply appreciate the Board’s unwavering focus on children and excellence throughout the search process. That same unwavering focus will be reflected in our efforts to catapult our urban school district to one of the top school districts in the country, with initiatives focused on literacy, STEM, and workforce development. I look forward to partnering with Team APS and our community to make this a reality.”
Dr. Johnson has received numerous accolades, including being named the 2021 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, a National Superintendent of the Year Finalist, EdWeek’s “Leader to Learn From,” a “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association, and recognized as a “2020 Outstanding Young Alumnus” by Austin Peay State University.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle will transition from her role by the end of Aug. following the Board of Education vote on July 8.
“It has been my pleasure to serve Atlanta Public Schools during this period of transition, and I have full confidence that the district will continue to progress under Dr. Johnson’s leadership,” says Dr. Battle. “With his impressive background, I know he will provide the necessary guidance to advance student achievement.”