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Johnson adapting to role as interim superintendent
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Published: September 8, 2009
Brady Johnson's first month on the job as interim superintendent has been an eye-opening experience.
Johnson became Iredell-Statesville Schools' top administrator on Aug. 5, when Superintendent Terry Holliday left to become Kentucky's commissioner of education. In this role, Johnson is earning $175,000.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity the board of education has given me to lead this school system for a few months," he said. "I'm proud of students and staff that make up this school system."
The first month on the job has brought some challenges along with highlights.
Johnson came on board during a time when the school district faced difficult times as a result of the state budget crisis. As a result of reduced funding, administrators had to make cuts in every way possible, including laying off 65 teacher assistants, who were later rehired.
Johnson said it was "scary" taking over at a time when the budget was in crisis. To add to the uneasiness of dealing with budgets, unexpected challenges came in the form of opening two new elementary schools and two International Baccalaureate programs and finishing up major renovations.
"That was a lot to pull off at one time, but all the departments came together," he said.
The school district has also faced parental resistance to the changes in some bus stops. The district had to move some stops to offset a $400,000 reduction in transportation funding.
Parents have been vocal about their opposition to the changes.
"It's always hard to take services away from customers," Johnson said.
FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
During the first week of the new school year, Johnson made it a point to visit more than a dozen schools, speaking with staff and observing classrooms.
In his current position, it's imperative he be out in the schools, he said.
The district had a good first week, he said.
"I think it's going splendid," he said. "It's been a really great opening of school and the three-day weekend ... arrived just in time because everybody's tired."
Now that Johnson has switched roles, he's had to switch gears as well.
In his former role, he oversaw the operations, including child nutrition and transportation.
The new job is challenging because of the budget situation.
Not having funds to fill positions and give teachers resources is especially disheartening for Johnson.
TWEAKS
Since taking on his role, Johnson met with I-SS principals to gauge their thoughts and get their opinions on things that needed adjusting.
They looked at the 32 initiatives that make up the Baldrige model and went from there.
"We're making adjustments and we're going to get good results by doing so," he said. "We're not abandoning our model, but improving it where it needs improvement."
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