Sue Johnson

Sue Johnson
Superintendent, Savanna School District

It was on her first day of kindergarten that Sue Johnson decided that she wanted to become a teacher, a goal that became a beacon for her educational career. The third oldest of seven siblings growing up in Pomona and Ontario, college seemed unattainable, yet her goal of becoming a teacher remained. Working part-time jobs through high school and college, and with the support of grants, she was able to become the first in her family to graduate from college at Cal Poly Pomona, receiving her master’s degree in school administration from Cal State San Bernardino and earning her doctorate in education from USC. She is passionate about providing opportunities for all students to succeed and be on the path toward college and career readiness.

Johnson began her career as a teacher in Wrightwood, where she taught third and fifth grades. She later served as an elementary school assistant principal and lecturer for Cal State San Bernardino. Johnson began working in the Savanna School District in 1990 as a curriculum coordinator and has served in Savanna since that time in the positions of Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Superintendent of Schools.

She is passionate about supporting students and future teachers, giving back to her community and to Cal Poly Pomona. After being named as a Distinguished Alumna for the College of Education and Integrative Studies in 2005, Johnson joined the Partners in Education (PIE) Board, designed to support future teachers. During her tenure on the PIE Board, more than 250 students received financial support to complete their clinical practice, thus paying it forward to the next generation of teachers and students. Her commitment to students and public education was also recognized in her selection as Orange County Superintendent of the Year in 2013 and the Buena Park Citizen of the Year in 2018.  

“It’s very fulfilling to be able to give back to future generations, giving others the same opportunities I’ve been given,” Johnson said. “In my current position, I’ve been fortunate to ensure students have access to the best teachers, the best facilities, the most current technologies, and the best curricula possible, thus ensuring success for future generations.” 

Johnson has been married to her husband, Keith, for 38 years and is extremely proud of both of her daughters. Her oldest daughter is a program specialist in the University of Washington Study Abroad Program while her youngest daughter is in her ninth year of teaching at the elementary level. Together with all the high-quality teachers graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, they will indeed help shape the next generation of learners and the future of public education.