Christopher Bernier was recently named the superintendent of Florida’s Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville. He succeeds interim superintendent Dana Kriznar.

Since 2022, he has served as superintendent of Florida’s Lee County Schools, a district of more than 100,000 students. Berner also served as chief of staff for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas and as an associate superintendent for Florida’s Orange County Public Schools.

In a news release, Bernier said he is excited and humbled to be the school board’s selection to lead the 129,000-student school system.

“…I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, not only to identify solutions to current issues, but also to continue growing and maximizing student achievement,” said Bernier. “The success of our students has to be the lens through which we see everything as we collaborate with the community in determining the best path forward for our schools.”

Atlanta Public Schools recently selected Bryan Johnson as the sole superintendent finalist to lead the 50,000-student school district. He will succeed interim superintendent Danielle Battle.

Johnson is the executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. From 2017 to 2021, he served as the superintendent of Hamilton County Schools and under his leadership, the district became the fastest-improving school district in Tennessee.

“The Atlanta Board of Education is thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with someone as accomplished as Dr. Bryan Johnson,” said Atlanta school board chair Erika Mitchell in a news release. “His diverse leadership roles throughout his career will be a tremendous asset, as he helps propel our district by pushing students toward success while advocating for the district’s needs.”

Oregon’s Portland Public Schools selected Kimberlee Armstrong as the next superintendent. Armstrong, who was the deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, Washington, will succeed interim superintendent Sandy Husk.

Armstrong previously served as the chief academic officer in the Portland school district, Oregon’s largest with 44,000 students.

“Dr. Armstrong is just what PPS needs in this time of opportunity and challenge,” school board chair Gary Hollands said in a statement. “Her credentials go beyond the academic and professional successes we need in a superintendent. She also brings a deep understanding of Oregon, Portland and PPS as a parent, educational leader and an active member of the community.”

Interim Leaders Named

Ohio’s Cincinnati Public Schools named Shauna Murphy as interim superintendent. Murphy, who was the district’s chief of student, family and community engagement, succeeds Iranetta Wright.

New York’s Rochester City School District selected Demario Strickland to serve as interim superintendent. Strickland, who has served as the district’s deputy superintendent since 2023, will succeed Carmine Peluso.

Milwaukee Names Acting Superintendent

Milwaukee Public Schools recently named Eduardo Galvan as acting superintendent, succeeding Keith Posley, who resigned from the district he has led since 2018.

Galvan, the district’s regional superintendent of the Southwest Region, will oversee day-to-day operations and stay in this role until the school board names an interim superintendent. The board’s goal is to have an interim superintendent in place before the 2024-25 school year begins.