Montclair School Superintendent Leaving For New Job (UPDATED)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s top public school administrator will be leaving her post to take a new position in Maryland.

Superintendent Kendra Johnson – who cited a desire to focus more on her personal life – submitted her resignation on July 12. She will be relocating to Maryland and taking a position as community superintendent at the Howard County Schools Board of Education.

When Johnson took over as superintendent in April of 2018, she became the school district's first African-American superintendent in its 144-year history. She previously served as the district's assistant superintendent for equity, curriculum and instruction.

Johnson holds Doctor of Education and Juris Doctor degrees, and is a former teacher, principal, and Title 1 officer. She has served as the Chief Academic Officer in districts in Washington State and New Jersey.

Johnson replaced Barbara Pinsak, who began a stint as interim superintendent in March 2017.

BOARD OF EDUCATION: WORKING ON A TRANSITION PLAN

Montclair BOE President Eve Robinson provided Patch with the following statement, which was read at the board’s July 15 meeting.

"It is with regret that the Montclair Board of Education voted to accept Dr. Kendra Johnson’s resignation as Superintendent of Schools. We congratulate her on her new position.

"During her time with Montclair, Dr. Johnson’s passion, care and advocacy for the children of our District was evident in everything she did. Your admiration for our schools, students and our community is heartfelt. Dr. Johnson made herself available to all in the community. She took every opportunity to build relationships with community partners who assisted the District in its commitment to maintaining excellence in education. Without an Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Johnson nevertheless faced each challenge in the District with determination, never losing focus of the impact of decisions on the students.

"During the challenges at the high school this year, Dr. Johnson took the time every day to ensure that the staff and students had constant reminders of her appreciation.

"Dr. Johnson committed herself to ensuring that all students had equitable access to achieve academic success. She provided professional development in social emotional learning and restorative justice practices, so students were able to respond positively in a nurturing environment that encourages learning. Dr. Johnson also concentrated on creating an environment focused on staff wellness.

"We recognize and appreciate all the initiatives you initiated in your tenure with us and agree with your statement that through collaboration these positive initiatives must continue through the transition of leadership.

"We thank you for your service to the Montclair Public schools both in the role of Assistant Superintendent, and then as Superintendent of Schools.

"Dr. Johnson and the Board are working on a transition plan, and her last day with the District has not yet been determined.

"This Board of Education recognizes the District’s need for consistent leadership. The Board of Education will be meeting to discuss a transition plan and steps that need to be taken toward the ultimate goal of recruiting and appointing a permanent Superintendent who will hopefully lead the District for many years to come. We intend to share that plan with the community as soon as possible."

KENDRA JOHNSON: 'PUTTING PERSONAL WELLNESS FIRST'

Johnson authored the following letter to the school community, which was sent on July 14.

"It was with a heavy heart that I submitted my formal letter of resignation on Friday, July 12, 2019 to Board President Eve Robinson. The resignation will be officially accepted by the Montclair Board of Education at the Monday, July 15, 2019 Board Meeting.

"During the 2018-2019 school year, the Montclair Public Schools focused on employee wellness. As a result of mindfulness minute exercises, I realized I was not putting my personal wellness first. Since my arrival to the District, I balanced a professional life in New Jersey with a personal life in Pennsylvania. My closest family members and partner live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, he and I have decided to relocate to another state together.

"I am tremendously proud of Montclair students and staff accomplishments during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years, as delineated in the Successes Document (Montclair 18-19 Successes Document). We focused on doing what was right for students and staff every single day. While change is always a learning experience, Montclair is moving in the right direction by establishing systems, structures and processes to be Great by Design. It is my plan to ensure this work continues.

"Please note the following highlights:

• Created the Student Equity Advocate Position and an Anti-Racist Regulation to supplement the Board’s Anti-Racist Board Policy.
• Established a strong Restorative Justice (RJ) foundation for staff and students, with four funded school-based Teachers on Special Assignment for RJ, as well as a dedicated District staff RJ leader for the 2019-2020 school year.
• Presented Board approved curricula and/or scope and sequence documents (effective for the 2019-2020 school year).
• Focused on students by establishing Montclair’s RESPONSE (Resources, Efforts and Supports for Proper ON-time Services and Emergencies) for the 2019-2020 school year.
• Implemented a focus on employee wellness for the 2018-2019 school year.
• Recruited diverse candidates which represent our student population.
• Appointed multiple internal candidates for leadership opportunities, growing our own exceptional leaders.
• Created internal systems to promote consistency in programming and supports, such as the District’s First Dyslexia Handbook; the Equity, Curriculum and Instruction Handbook; the Special Education Operational Handbook; Employee Handbook; Revised Response and Intervention Handbook; District Intranet/Staff Portal to be launched for the 2019-2020 school year; and lastly the Annual Professional Development Calendar.
• Focused on community, both internal and external stakeholders, by enhancing communication protocols through parent/guardian e-blasts on the District website; created Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs); participated in community meetings and meetings with stakeholders; and developed the internal weekly newsletter to District administrators.

"I extend a warm thank you to those in the community who have provided the opportunity to truly assist students. I am equally grateful to those who assisted me to see why Montclair is an amazing community to cultivate authentic innovation. Working collaboratively, it is my hope that the Montclair community will continue to mobilize and advocate for what is best for each and every student, as well as the student population as a collective. There is still so much more to accomplish in the spirit of equity, access and social justice for students, staff and parents/guardians. Hence, you have my full commitment in ensuring there is a smooth transition before and after I physically leave the position of Superintendent, Montclair Public Schools. I love serving the Montclair students, and my dedication to them will underscore my commitment to diligently and passionately serve until my last day in the District."

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