Argie Johnson facts for kids

Argie K. Johnson is an American educator and scientist. She worked as a top leader in two of the biggest school districts in the United States: Chicago Public Schools and New York Public Schools.

Early Life and Education

Argie K. Johnson grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina. She was the oldest of six children. Her parents were sharecroppers, meaning they farmed land owned by someone else and paid rent with a share of their crops. She worked hard to pay for her college education.

Career in Education

Before becoming an educator, Argie Johnson was a biochemist. This means she studied the chemical processes happening in living things.

New York Public Schools

In 1967, Johnson started teaching science in New York Public Schools. She needed to support her daughter as a single mom. She later became a school principal in 1978. Her school, David Riggles Junior High School 258, was known for having low test scores and some crime issues.

Johnson was the principal for seven years. During this time, test scores went up by as much as 20%. The school's reputation also improved a lot. By the time she left, many students wanted to attend her school.

After being a principal, she became a subdistrict superintendent. This meant she oversaw several schools in a smaller area.

Later, she rose to become the deputy chancellor of the New York Public Schools system. This made her the second-in-command of the largest school district in the United States. During her time as deputy chancellor, a new curriculum called "Children of the Rainbow" caused some public debate. Johnson was asked to adjust the curriculum. Even though there was this controversy, her leadership in New York was generally seen as very good.

Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools

In June 1993, Argie Johnson was chosen to be the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. This put her in charge of the third-largest school district in the country. The Chicago Board of Education voted unanimously to hire her.

She was the sixth permanent superintendent in Chicago in less than 20 years. She was also the second African-American woman to hold this important position. Johnson signed a three-year contract, and her job officially began on August 9, 1993.

In 1995, the way Chicago Public Schools were run changed. The mayor gained more control over the schools. Because of this change, Johnson was replaced in July 1995. She was replaced by Paul Vallas, who became the new "CEO" of Chicago Public Schools.