Judith Johnson to Represent Putnam, Rockland, Westchester on State Board of Regents

Written by Lanning Taliaferro (Patch Staff)

Judith Johnson, Rockland County resident and longtime Westchester County educator, has been appointed to the New York State Board of Regents to represent Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.

She replaces Regent Harry Phillips, retiring after 15 years on the state’s top education policy-making group.

Johnson was recommended by Hudson Valley lawmakers. Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) told capitalnewyork.com the delegation wanted a regent with the depth of experience to represent this region where education is a top community priority.

“Today’s election of Judith Johnson is a victory for Hudson Valley parents and students,” said state Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City). “Ms. Johnson has experience as a teacher, administrator, superintendent and Assistant Education Secretary in Washington. Her impeccable credentials make her uniquely qualified to serve as a Regent.

“However, it is her desire to be engaged with our districts, listening to the concerns of parents, teachers and administrators that makes her the right person for this job. Throughout this process I was looking for someone that would listen the people on the ground and in our classrooms. Judith Johnson will be a strong voice for our schools and a breath of fresh air on the Board of Regents.”

Johnson’s appointment, one of four made yesterday, is part of a contentious shake-up of the Board of Regents that started last year as lawmakers voiced anger over the state’s education policies and policy implementation, particularly testing, student data use, and the rollout of the new Common Core curriculum.

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) told capitalnewyork.com she was looking for open dialogue with parents and teachers before educational policy decisions are made.

A former U.S. Assistant Education Secretary, Johnson was the Superintendent of the Peekskill City School District for 10 years. She retired in early 2011. The district named the auditorium of the new middle school after her. She more recently served as interim superintendent in Mount Vernon.

The New Hempstead resident will serve a 5-year term.

PHOTO: Judith Johnson at the 2011 dedication ceremony for the Judith Johnson Auditorium for the Performing Arts/Jeff Canning

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