The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Johnson poised to be next U-46 superintendent

By Seth Hancock
  Suzanne Johnson has been named the next superintendent of School District U-46, according to a May 23 press release from the district.
  Johnson has been the interim superintendent since February after former Superintendent Tony Sanders left the district to become the Illinois State Superintendent.
  According to the press release, Johnson will be the next superintendent “pending the successful outcome of contract negotiations and approval at a June 2023 Board meeting.” If approved, she would officially become the superintendent on July 1.
  In March, the board approved of hiring Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA) to assist in an internal search at a cost of $22,500.
  In April, HYA released a document with a profile of the desired characteristics of the superintendent based on meetings with district staff, parents and students which described the characteristic of having “had successful experience in a diverse district, demonstrating relationship building and a successful track record of student achievement to be its next Superintendent.”
  “The Board seeks someone who is an empathetic communicator, who listens carefully while collaboratively developing and patiently implementing with the Board a vision, with its goals and the district’s wide array of programs,” the report states. “In addition, the selected candidate will be a person of integrity who is visible and approachable in the community and the District making data informed decisions, building teams, especially in the development of a team relationship with the Board.”
  The report adds: “The next Superintendent of School District U-46 will work collaboratively with the staff and community as an advocate that reflects a student focus. The School District U-46 Board of Education is looking for a person, who will lead in diversity and equity especially as they relate to human resources and student achievement, and committing to stay with the district for a significant tenure.”
  Johnson has been with the district for 26 years, previously as the deputy superintendent of instruction. She has an undergraduate degree from University of Iowa, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from DePaul University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from University of Illinois-Chicago.