Ernest Johnson.
The Pennridge School District has appointed Ernest Johnson as the district’s new Director of Student Services and Title IX Compliance Officer.
Johnson, who is currently the assistant principal of Abington Senior High School, will replace Jennifer Summers, who is resigning to take a new position in another school district, said a district press release.
In a statement, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the position.
"Pennridge has a rich history of putting students first and cultivating an educational environment conducive to student success,” he said. "At the heart of the work are dedicated teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, administrators, and other professional and support staff members who create endless opportunities for students to meet the standard of ‘Proud, Principled, and Prepared.’”
Pennridge Superintendent Angelo Berrios praised Johnson’s appointment.
"Mr. Johnson’s extensive experience and commitment harmonize seamlessly with our vision and mission, assuring a future marked by collaborative excellence among our outstanding staff and students,” said Berrios. "Mr. Johnson’s comprehensive expertise and dedication to fostering a positive educational environment aligns perfectly with the Pennridge School District. I am very confident Mr. Johnson will have a substantive impact on our school community.”
Johnson, a Philadelphia native raised by his grandparents, graduated from Moravian College with a B.S. in psychology and sociology and Temple University with an M.Ed. in counseling psychology. While earning his Master’s degree from Temple, he received a scholarship while working as a graduate assistant for the Center for Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse. He went on to complete further studies at Temple to earn his Supervisory Certificate in School Guidance Services (2005) and Principal Certificate PK-12 (2008).
Johnson began his career at Abington as a school counselor in the 1998-1999 school year, holding the position until being promoted to guidance chairperson in the 2004-2005 school year. In the 2007-2008 school year, he was promoted to assistant principal of Abington Senior High School, a position he has held for the past 17 years.
While at Abington, Johnson’s work focused on achievement and providing opportunities for students to excel inside and outside the classroom. For the last 16 years, he has been tasked with coordinating activities and programs designed to support Abington’s designation as a "No Place for Hate” school. Johnson has also been a part of a team of professional staff members working on policies and procedures related to disciplinary practices and student wellness.
Additionally, Johnson served as co-chair of the Abington Human Relations Advisory Council and was a subcommittee leader for the Superintendent’s Committee regarding Secondary Programming for Reconfigured Grade Spans, wherein he facilitated several teacher workshops at Penn State’s Abington campus on motivating struggling students, said the release.
The Pennridge School Board of Directors officially approved Johnson’s appointment at their monthly meeting on January 22. Board leaders also emphasized the importance of Johnson’s work and their enthusiasm for his start.
"I am excited for Ernest to join our team. His passion and experience will be an excellent addition to our school,” said school board President Ron Wurz.
"This is a critically important position in our district and I’m excited about Mr. Johnson’s vision to expand the focus of this role, specifically by implementing new processes and systems that will better support Pennridge students and families — better systems, deliver better outcomes,” said school board Vice President Christine Batycki. "Over the course of the interview process, it was evident that Mr. Johnson’s well-established track record delivered real results, I think he will do the same here at Pennridge.”
Johnson views his role as pivotal to uplifting the voices of students, families and community members and cultivating a positive school environment.
"The central question I will ask is: ‘How do we help our schools become more responsive and better able to meet the academic, social, cultural, emotional, and health needs of our students?'” said Johnson. "Our work as a school district has to center on validating existing practices that create innovative learning spaces while also changing practices that are not as meaningful for all members of the school community, especially those who feel disconnected from our schools.”
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