Superintendent
We are Atlanta's Public School System
Atlanta Public Schools is a transformational place to learn and teach because we are grounded in our commitment to getting back to the basics in the classroom, focusing on strong fundamentals that empower every student and educator. With a clear vision and alongside a community of believers, we are building a foundation for lifelong learning and achievement, together. - Dr. Bryan Johnson, Superintendent
Meet Our Superintendent
Dr. Bryan Johnson serves as Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS), one of Georgia's largest school districts, serving approximately 50,000 students across 87 learning sites, including 59 neighborhood schools, 5 partner schools, 19 charter schools, 2 citywide single-gender academies, and 2 alternative programs.
As a former corporate executive and accomplished K-12 leader, Dr. Johnson brings passion and a unique blend of corporate and educational leadership to the role. He is a proud Atlanta Public Schools parent who leads with a strong sense of purpose and a clear understanding of what the APS community needs.
Since the start of his tenure at APS in 2024, Dr. Johnson has led with a bold vision, charting pathways forward that position Atlanta's public school system to strengthen its primary responsibility: educating Atlanta's students to excel in college, career, and life beyond graduation. With excellence as a core value, Dr. Johnson is poised to lead APS into a new era through the implementation of Back to the Basics 2030, Atlanta Public Schools' 2025-2030 strategic plan, which outlines APS' promise to its students, teachers, and the surrounding community.
Background and Accomplishments
For nearly two decades, Dr. Johnson has dedicated much of his career to public education, serving as a teacher, school administrator, and district administrator. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), he provided critical counsel as the university completed its current strategic plan and led the development and execution of the 2025-2030 strategic plan. He brings extensive experience in educational leadership, workforce development, business strategy, change management, and collaborative leadership.
Dr. Johnson served as Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Prior to UTC, he served as Chief Transformation Officer for U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., where he supported the technology and management teams across the enterprise. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, a district educating 45,000 students across 78 schools. Under his leadership, Hamilton County Schools became the fastest-improving school district in Tennessee. Dr. Johnson is recognized as a visionary leader known for spearheading bold changes. In his first year as superintendent, he launched the Future Ready Institutes, career-themed academies across high schools, earning recognition from EdWeek as a “Leader to Learn From” in 2020. During the pandemic, he led a community effort to provide high-speed internet to every economically disadvantaged student household in the district for 10 years, addressing the digital divide.
Dr. Johnson has received numerous accolades for his leadership, including being named the 2021 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and honored as a National Superintendent of the Year finalist. He was also spotlighted as a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association and recognized as a 2020 Outstanding Young Alumnus by Austin Peay State University. He serves on numerous boards and is actively engaged in the Chattanooga community.
Before his tenure in Chattanooga, Dr. Johnson spent 10 years in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, where he rose to the position of Chief Academic Officer. Under his leadership, the district was ranked number one for student academic growth for two consecutive years.
Education and Family
Dr. Johnson holds degrees from Austin Peay State University, Belmont University, and Trevecca University, where he earned his doctorate in educational leadership.
Dr. Johnson and his wife, Candy Johnson, are the proud parents of two children, one of whom is currently a student in Atlanta Public Schools. Mrs. Johnson is a visible and supportive presence throughout the district and regularly participates in major district events, including Dr. Johnson’s swearing-in as the 22nd Superintendent in August 2024, the annual Back-to-School Festival, and other community celebrations.
