Dr. Kendra V. Johnson made history this week as the Montclair Board of Education appointed her superintendent of schools. She is the first African-American to hold the position in the district’s 144-year history.
Johnson currently serves as the district’s assistant superintendent for Equity, Curriculum and Instruction and will begin her tenure as superintendent May 1.
“I am truly excited to build upon the excellent work already underway in the district,” Johnson said. “In order to yield undeniable results from each student in the Montclair Public Schools, I will continue to work thoughtfully with the talented staff within the district as well as tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise within the Montclair community at large.”
The district’s first permanent superintendent in three years, Johnson will oversee the seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school, more than 6,600 students, in Montclair.
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the historically Black Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from John Hopkins University, a law degree from the University of Baltimore and a doctorate in Urban Education and Leadership from the historically Black Morgan State University.