Rockdale County Board of Education names veteran educator Dr. Stephanie Johnson sole finalist for superintendent position

CONYERS, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Education announced that Dr. Stephanie Johnson has been selected as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

Johnson, Ed.D, currently serves as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Turnaround Officer for the Georgia Department of Education and brings more than 30 years of experience in public education.

The Board voted at its meeting on Thursday, July 16 to identify Johnson as the sole finalist after a comprehensive search process that included stakeholder input, candidate screening, interviews, and deliberation.

“The Board is confident that Dr. Johnson possesses the leadership experience, vision, and commitment necessary to lead Rockdale County Public Schools into the future,” said Board Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett. “Throughout the selection process, she demonstrated a deep dedication to student success, operational excellence, and community engagement.” 

Throughout her career, Johnson has demonstrated success in education leadership, school improvement and student achievement, strengthening school culture, and expanding partnerships with stakeholders, the board said in its news release.  She successfully led the state’s most ambitious school and district improvement efforts by identifying systemic gaps, aligning operational and instructional priorities, stabilizing leadership structures, and building sustainable systems of accountability and continuous improvement while supporting high-performing and rapidly improving schools in strengthening instructional excellence, expanding advanced academic opportunities, and sustaining high levels of performance over time.

In accordance with state law, the Board will observe the required waiting 14-day period before taking final action on the superintendent appointment.

The Board anticipates considering final approval of the superintendent appointment at its called meeting on July 30, 5 p.m.

Johnson would succeed Shirley Chesser, who announced her retirement in February.

Additional information regarding the superintendent search process can be found at www.rockdaleschools.org/superintendent.