After five years as principal at State College Area High School, Curtis Johnson is moving into a new role in the school district.
The State College School Board on Monday unanimously approved Johnson’s appointment as assistant superintendent for secondary education. He replaces Will Stout, who left to become superintendent of the Owen J. Roberts School District in Chester County.
“I want to heartily thank all my colleagues for encouraging and supporting me through this process,” Johnson said in a statement. “They have made me the leader that I am today through their mentorship and guidance. As we move forward in meeting the many demands and challenges that lie ahead of us as a district, I look forward to working with them as a team in this new role.”
After becoming principal in 2016, Johnson led State High through the transition to the new $140 million school building on the Westerly Parkway campus, which opened in 2018 after two years of construction and a decade of planning, and guided the high school of 2,300 students through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
Under Johnson’s leadership, State High introduced an International Baccalaureate program, developed policies and programs for inclusivity and added educational equity initiatives such as an algebra class for students needing intensive instruction.
“Although his personality comes across as easygoing, he’s one of the most determined educational leaders around when it comes to supporting students and teachers in their daily work,” Superintendent Bob O’Donnell said. “He’s earned the trust of our school community, and I’m excited to welcome him to the cabinet and continue my professional partnership with him as he fulfills a vital leadership role.”
A 1991 Penn State graduate (who played for the Nittany Lion basketball team), Johnson later earned a master’s degree in education from the university, as well as secondary school counseling and K-12 principal certifications.
After beginning his career in the Reading School District, he joined SCASD in 2003. Prior to taking the top post at the high school, he was associate principal, an assistant principal and interim principal.
His five-year contract as assistant superintendent carries an annual salary of $161,000, with yearly increases of 2.5% and eligibility for performance-based increases of 1% each year.
A district spokesperson has not yet responded to a request for comment about the timeline for filling the principal position at State High.
