Pelham Board of Education hires Dr. Carrie Johnson as superintendent

The Pelham City Board of Education voted at a special-called meeting to hire Dr. Carrie Johnson as the district's next superintendent and authorized the board president to execute a draft employment contract if Johnson approves it without modification.

The board placed the superintendent opening for 30 days through Bishop Brooks LLC and reviewed applicants before making the selection. A board member moved to hire Dr. Johnson; the motion was seconded and approved in an oral vote, followed by a roll call in which the named board members recorded affirmative votes. The board also authorized the board president to sign the draft employment contract on behalf of the board contingent on Dr. Johnson’s approval of the contract as presented.

The board’s announcement thanked interim superintendent Frank Costanza for his leadership during the transition. Dr. Johnson, who addressed the meeting, thanked board members, staff and the community, said she looks forward to learning “the Pelham Way,” and said she will spend time in schools during her first week on the job to meet students and staff.

The board described the hiring process as comprehensive and said it considered candidates with extensive experience; a doctorate and prior superintendent experience were described as valuable in the position posting. The board also made a brief statement of appreciation to two internal applicants for applying.

No salary, start date, or other contract terms were stated on the record; the draft contract had been provided to board members in advance and the president was authorized to execute it only if Dr. Johnson approves it without modification.

The board announced upcoming meetings, including a special call budget hearing and a regularly scheduled board meeting in September.