RCS appoints interim superintendent

The RCS Board of Education on Monday unanimously appointed longtime Capital Region school administrator Dr. Michael Johnson as interim superintendent beginning July 1.

Dr. Johnson will succeed current Superintendent Vicki Wright.

Dr. Johnson joins RCS with 32 years of experience in education, most recently serving as interim assistant superintendent of the Mohonasen school district. "I am absolutely thrilled to be able to serve the RCS school district for this coming year. I am going to give 110 percent to ensure the district operates as smoothly as possible," Dr. Johnson said.

During his career, he has served in many capacities, including superintendent of Averill Park Central Schools and assistant superintendent of Niskayuna Central Schools, as well as elementary and middle school principal, high school assistant principal, counselor and teacher. "Due to his knowledge and commitment to improving educational standards and, therefore, increasing student performance, he is a good choice to continue the progress the District has made in moving forward with educational initiatives and programs already in place," said Board of Education President Mike Varney. 

"The Board of Education believes that he is a strong, effective leader who is professional, knowledgeable and articulate. He is a good choice to continue to move the district in a forward direction," Varney said.

Dr. Johnson  will earn $550 a day as interim, which Varney said is the going rate for an experienced professional.  He will also apply for a waiver to allow him to serve RCS and collect his pension.

"Experienced superintendents are in short supply in New York, and a non-retired superintendent will not come to work in any school district for only a year," said the board president.

Dr. Johnson will be available during the month of June to meet with staff and community members. In addition, parents and community members are invited to attend a June 9 meeting with Dr. Johnson beginning at 7 pm. in the high school Library Media Center.