Dayton ISD Superintendent Dr. Jessica Johnson has announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2025 school year, bringing to a close a 37-year career in education. After serving as superintendent for the past 11 years, Johnson recently informed the school board and her staff of her decision. A lifelong resident of Dayton, Johnson reflected on her time with Dayton ISD as both a leader and a proud member of the community.
Born and raised in Dayton, Texas, Johnson attended Dayton schools and credits her parents, the late M.W. and Dorothy Ford, for instilling in her and her sister, Gina, a love for education. Her grandmother, a teacher in her early years, also played a role in sparking Johnson’s passion for teaching.
“There were a lot of wonderful educators who inspired me,” Johnson said. “It would be impossible to name just one.”
After graduating from Dayton High School, Johnson pursued higher education, earning her bachelor’s degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, her master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Each of her degrees focused on education and leadership.
Johnson’s career began humbly as a substitute teacher.
“I loved every minute of that – all ages. Being a substitute teacher also afforded me the opportunity to still have a family and work as I could,” she said.
Over the years, she has worn many hats within the district, including coach, bus driver, and curriculum coordinator.
“I’ve done just about everything,” she said with a laugh.
Her hands-on experience has shaped her leadership style, emphasizing respect and appreciation for every role in the district.
Johnson is proud of the many accomplishments achieved during her tenure, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
“There have been so many wonderful accomplishments over the last 11 years which could not have been achieved without a ‘team’ effort – the wonderful school board, amazing administrators, outstanding staff, community partners, and of course our great students,” Johnson said.
Among the notable changes and successes under her leadership and with collaboration from others in the community and the school district are:
- Bond and construction of new schools, a Performing Arts Center, and upgrades to all facilities
- Establishment of the Marine Corps Junior ROTC Program
- Expansion of athletic sports to include soccer at both junior high and high school levels, offering athletes 30 different sports opportunities
- Growth in Fine Arts Programs with numerous honors and awards in Band, Choir, Drama, and Art
- Addition of UIL cheerleading competitions and a competitive Drill Team
- Development of programs encouraging student involvement, including FFA, Bronco Studios, BPA, FCCLA, HOSA, TAFE, Skills USA, UIL Academics, Student Council, and events like the Unified Show and Ag Adventure Day
- Partnership with Lee College and neighboring ISDs to establish and expand the Liberty Campus, along with scholarship contributions through the Dancing For Our Stars competition
- Expanded CTE (Career and Technology Education) programs, Dual Credit options, and Pre-AP/AP courses for junior high and high school students
- Implementation of a Manners/Etiquette Program for all 5th-grade students
- Focus on Safe and Secure Plans for schools
- Decreased tax rates while maintaining an A rating on all FIRST Ratings
- Creation of the Dayton ISD Sports Hall of Fame Museum
- Regular communication through Supts Talks videos and monthly parent letters
- Overcoming challenges such as Hurricane Harvey, Hurricanes, the Uri arctic blast, the pandemic, funding issues, new mandates, and Intruder Alerts
Johnson highlighted her pride in the relationships she has built through her leadership role.
“My proudest accomplishment is in the relationships that I have built at all levels and the ultimate success is seen every May when those amazing young adults go across that stage and enter into a new chapter in their lives. Again, none of these successes and accomplishments are mine, but ours,” she said.
Johnson’s decision to retire stems from a desire to spend more time with her family, including her children and grandchildren, and to travel more with her husband, Dr. John Johnson.
“The grandkids are growing up, and I want to be more a part of their lives,” she said.
Outside of her work in education, Johnson has been an active member of First Methodist Church of Dayton and the Dayton Rotary Club, where she once served as president. Her dedication to community service has been as evident as her commitment to education.
Reflecting on how the field of education has evolved over the years, Johnson acknowledged that teaching has become more challenging.
“Laws have changed, society has changed, funding has changed, and the pandemic changed some things forever,” she said, adding that educators have shown resilience and adaptability through it all.
As for the future of Dayton ISD, Johnson expressed confidence in the school board to guide the district through this transition.
“It will be their decision, not mine,” she said. “I’ve got a great school board and I have enjoyed working with them. My leaving is bittersweet. I just felt it was time because we are not promised tomorrow.”