Hermosa Beach City School District Selects New Superintendent

Press release from the Hermosa Beach City School District:

May 28, 2020

Hermosa Beach City School District Selects Dr. Jason Johnson as New Superintendent

On May 27, 2020, the Hermosa Beach City School District (HBCSD) Board of Trustees selected Dr. Jason Johnson as the district’s new superintendent, effective July 1, 2020. Following a nationwide search and selection process lasting five months, the Board unanimously voted for Dr. Johnson to succeed Superintendent Escalante; who will retire after nine years of exemplary service.

Dr. Johnson joins Hermosa Schools from Redondo Beach USD where he has served as principal of Lincoln Elementary School, assistant principal at Adams Middle School, special education teacher at Redondo Union High School, and director of the Redondo Beach Teachers Association. Highly regarded for championing inclusionary practices and community engagement at various award-winning schools. Under his leadership, Dr. Johnson has fostered an active, thriving school community where whole child outcomes are as much a priority as high achievement.

Dr. Johnson began his career with Teach for America in Watts, Los Angeles. This experience shaped his philosophy of education, a belief that all children can succeed if given the right opportunity and necessary support. At Lincoln Elementary he has been a strong partner with the Education Foundation and Parent-Teacher Association,raising the most dollars of any Redondo Beach school for consecutive years.

A native of the South Bay, Dr. Johnson attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School before going on to graduate from Berkeley; he gained his Masters in Special Education from Loyola Marymount; and both his administrative credential as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State University. Dr. Johnson and his wife, a director of special education, live locally with their young daughter. They met in Teach for America and share a belief in the power and importance of education.

“I am thrilled to join HBCSD and the Hermosa community at a challenging and exciting time,” Dr. Johnson said. “I am committed to working with our Board, staff, parents, and
students to meet challenges and excitement alike with teamwork, transparency, and prioritizing that our children thrive.”

Committed to a rigorous superintendent search process, the Board of Trustees worked with a consultant group to conduct stakeholder surveys and focus groups. Consistent themes for the next superintendent included a leader who puts children first; with high expectations for all students; who values community, is collaborative and can build relationships; and a visionary who is innovative and equity-driven.

"Dr. Johnson has a vision that inspired us. An outstanding reputation of working with unions, teachers, parents, and above all putting kids and 21st-century education opportunities in front of students. He embraces data, has a great understanding of the intricacies of special education, has ideas around recruitment and retention of Hermosa Beach students, and is known for being a collaborative and empathetic leader.” Board President Jennifer Cole said. “We are excited to welcome him next door to Hermosa Beach."

The Board wishes to thank the community for their input and support in selecting Dr. Johnson as their next HBCSD Superintendent.

This press release was produced by the Hermosa Beach City School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.