El Segundo, CA – Dr. Jason Johnson has been selected as the next Superintendent to lead the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD). The ESUSD Board of Education followed a rigorous selection process of vetting over 30 candidates before choosing Dr. Johnson, current Superintendent for Hermosa Beach City School District, for his innovative and effective advocacy on behalf of the students, staff, and families of the public school community.

Prior to his current superintendency, Dr. Johnson served as a highly-successful elementary principal, a middle school assistant principal, and an award-winning high school special education teacher in the Redondo Beach Unified School District. Dr. Johnson’s early teaching career included work as a middle school special education teacher in LAUSD and as an instructional aide for special education students at Peninsula High School.

“Dr. Johnson has a rock-solid reputation for integrity and improved outcomes, including measurable educational success, responsive labor negotiations, and positive community partnerships,” says Quentin Kluthe, President of the Hermosa Beach City School Board. “He is tireless while providing clear output from team members on behalf of all learners. His impact and personal work ethic has multiplied throughout the district, ensuring a learning environment that is healthy, welcoming, and high performing.” Hermosa Beach City School District Principal Jessica Bledsoe adds, “He is smart and his decisions are rooted in research. He has a strong moral character and leads from an ethical foundation.”

Dr. Johnson earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach; a master’s degree in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University;  a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley; and an associate’s degree from El Camino College.

“I am honored to lead El Segundo Unified School District, a highly-regarded school district recognized for its impressive array of programs, strong community support, and unique small-town pride. Together, we will continue to prioritize student safety and wellness, foster an inclusive culture, and promote innovative solutions that ensure academic excellence for all our students. Following in the footsteps of Dr. Moore is a challenging task, but I welcome the opportunity to build upon her legacy,” says Dr. Johnson.

Meredith Beachly, El Segundo Unified School District’s Board of Education President, shares: “As a former teacher in ESUSD, I appreciate how Dr. Johnson diligently and thoroughly did his homework on our learning community. He earned the Board of Education’s selection based on pure merit and an outstanding track record. I am confident he will swiftly build the same level of respect with each and every member of our community and team up well with our incredible staff and students.” 

The ESUSD Board extends their deep appreciation to the educational and community partners who contributed to focus groups and survey feedback in order to develop the leadership profile that was foundational to their meticulous superintendent selection process. In addition, the Board’s gratitude is extended to all applicants who put forth their time and energy in offering their candidacy to serve ESUSD and its families in this vital role.

The El Segundo Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Dr. Johnson’s appointment and contract at the May 30, 2024 school board meeting. His service is slated to begin on July 1, 2024, immediately following the retirement of Dr. Melissa Moore on June 30, 2024.