A current State College Area School District administrator will serve as interim superintendent while the school board searches for someone to fill the role on a permanent basis.
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Curtis Johnson will become interim superintendent on June 1, following unanimous approval by the school board on Monday night.
“Mr. Johnson’s experience and qualifications make him the ideal educator to lead the district during the search process,” Board President Amber Concepcion and Vice President Amy Bader wrote in a memo. “Throughout his 19 years with the State College Area School District, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth.”
Current Superintendent Bob O’Donnell announced in April that he would be leaving the position after 11 years to take the top administrative post at Downingtown Area School District in Chester County. He plans to leave SCASD in June.
The board also approved a contract for up to $20,000 with consultant Templeton Advantage LLC to assist in conducting the search for the next superintendent.
Prior to becoming assistant superintendent last summer, Johnson was principal of State College Area High School for five years after one year as assistant principal and a decade in various other leadership positions.
“As principal, he steered a campus of 2,400 students through the massive four-year State High renovation/building project,” Concepcion and Bader wrote. “When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he again ably led students, faculty and staff as they coped with hybrid learning, health and safety measures and other adjustments.”
The school board leaders credited Johnson for his success in promoting educational equity by developing the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE), a program to help struggling students reach
their academic potential, and facilitating the creation of the Everyday Algebra class for students
needing intensive math instruction.
State High also launched its International Baccalaureate program during his tenure, while the number of students taking AP courses increased by 56%, with almost 80% of AP exam takers scoring a 3 or higher (the maximum score is 5).
“Along with fostering academic growth, Mr. Johnson oversaw significant strides in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at State High, partnering with the district’s director of equity and inclusivity to elevate student voice through the No Place For Hate campaign and other student-led social justice efforts,” Concepcion and Bader wrote. “Additionally, his priorities included helping implement restorative practices training for staff members.”
Before joining the SCASD staff, Johnson was a counselor, behavior specialist and assistant principal in the Reading School District.
Johnson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary school counseling from Penn State (where he also played for the Nittany Lion basketball team).
According to the employment agreement approved by the school board, Johnson’s term as interim superintendent is until May 31, 2023, or until the position is filled, at an annual salary of $201,000, pro-rated if he serves in the role for a partial year.
“What I would want to say is really sincere thanks and gratitude to Curtis Johnson for being willing to fill this role and for his service to the district over many years, as well what we know will be a challenging transition period,” Concepcion said at Monday’s meeting. “His commitment is really appreciated.”
Bader said she is confident Johnson and other administrative team members will guide the district through the period until a permanent superintendent is hired.
“We’re grateful that we have that capacity right now so that we can be diligent and careful about our selection for the next appointment for superintendent,” Bader said. “It’s good to have that confidence in the team so that we can be certain that whoever we appoint to steward the district moving forward will be the right fit for our community.”
