UCS Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns announces retirement

Utica Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns this evening informed the Board of Education that she will be retiring early in the fall of 2020. For the past fourteen years, Dr. Johns has led the second largest district within the state of Michigan, a district with nearly 27,000 students. In total, she has 32 years of service to public education.

“I have enjoyed collaborating with the Board of Education to advocate for students and teachers, address student achievement, implement new programs and curriculum, overcome budget challenges, and pass bond issues and millages,” said Dr. Johns. “Together, over the past fourteen years, we have profoundly impacted the children and families of our community.”

With a school culture focused on educational excellence and an experienced leadership team, district officials pointed out that UCS is well positioned to continue to positively move forward. In addition, officials noted that plans for the coming school year are in their final stages of development.

“One of Dr. Johns’ great strengths is her ability to create strong and competent leadership teams,” said Dr. Robert Ross, President of the Utica Community Schools Board of Education, “She has empowered leaders at all levels within the district creating momentum that will continue for years to come.”

In reflecting on Dr. Johns’ leadership, board president Ross praised the dedication and commitment that Dr. Johns possesses for all students in UCS and highlighted the following achievements occurring during her tenure:

• Implemented Policy 6000 – Excellence, Equity and Access
• Reimagined and implemented full day kindergarten and expanded academic opportunities such as Advanced Placement, the Gene L. Klida Academy for International Studies, the Utica Center for Science and Industry, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and Stevenson MADE.
• Improved literacy and mathematics performance
• Attained graduation rate of 94.2 percent
• Established Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council & annual Academic Blitz
• Secured over $14 million in public and private funding for innovative programs
• Enhanced technology infrastructure and digital resources

• Implemented new social media tools, student information and automated calling systems to effectively inform and communicate with parents and community.
• Modernized Utica High School with the school’s largest building improvement project in its history, including a state of the art media center addition and improved science facilities.
• Celebrated district success stories through UCS Means Success
• Fostered positive working relationships with municipalities and local civic groups

• Partnered with Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars and UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence to provide scholarships
• Repeatedly balanced budget and received highest positive audit results for 14 consecutive years
• Eight consecutive years of Certificate of Excellence Award by Association of School Business Officials International for transparency and budget reporting.
• Best Communities for Music Education – six times

• Recognized by College Board as AP District of the Year
• Recognized by White House for Future Ready Schools and Michigan Department of Education as a Project Reimagine District leading innovation and reform.
• All four high schools - 2020 Best STEM Schools by Newsweek Magazine

“In looking to the future, the UCS Board of Education will begin to engage discussions around a search process,” said Board President Ross, “In the meantime, the board will continue to review and approve school implementation plans created by the leadership team for the 2020-21 school year.”

As she reflected on her fourteen years at Utica Community Schools, Dr. Johns noted, “I am proud of our teachers, support staff and administrators for their commitment to meet the needs of our students. Utica Community Schools is fortunate to have talented, caring, and passionate educators. It gives me great satisfaction to know that UCS will continue to have a positive impact on our community.”

Dr. Johns has been honored at local, state and national levels for innovation and effective leadership. Her honors include eSchool News National Tech Savvy Superintendent of the Year, the Macomb Hall of Fame, the People’s Choice Award from Leadership Macomb and she was selected one of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women by Crain’s Detroit Business. The magazine has also selected her as one of 35 Notable Women in Educational Leadership.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org