[CharterSchools] Einstein Charter Schools announces the retirement of Dr. Tara Johnson, Chief Executive Officer

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Einstein Charter Schools Celebrates the Retirement of Dr. Tara Johnson and Her Three-Decade Student-Centered Legacy
New Orleans, December 18, 2025 — Einstein Charter Schools announces the retirement of Dr. Tara Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2025. After three decades in public education, Dr. Johnson concludes a distinguished career defined by one unwavering principle: doing what is in the best interest of children—always.

A Career Grounded in Student Advocacy

Dr. Johnson began her career with New Orleans Public Schools as an English and Social Studies teacher and later became a special education teacher, where she advocated for students with exceptional needs and ensured every child received the supports necessary to succeed. From the classroom to network-level leadership roles, her work consistently centered on students’ academic growth, well-being, and dignity.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Johnson returned to New Orleans and served as Director of Education for the Marine Institute, supporting students in a secure-care facility. She later served as an assistant principal and went on to work within the Recovery School District, supporting multiple schools during a critical period of transformation. During this time, her leadership helped restore instructional stability, strengthen teaching and learning, and rebuild school environments where students could thrive.

Leadership at Einstein Charter Schools

Dr. Johnson joined Einstein Charter Schools in 2020 as Executive Director of Compliance, where she ensured that systems, policies, and practices aligned not only with regulatory requirements but—most importantly—with the best interests of students. She was widely known for grounding every decision in one essential question: How does this benefit children?

In 2022, Dr. Johnson was appointed Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization with a steadfast commitment to student-centered decision-making, operational excellence, and community partnership. As CEO, she:
   
   - Championed equitable access to high-quality instruction and comprehensive student supports
   - Fostered collaborative, child-focused professional learning for educators
   - Ensured student voice, family trust, and community partnership remained central to Einstein’s mission
   - Successfully maintained full compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements
   - Built and sustained a healthy fund balance, strengthening the organization’s financial stability and long-term capacity to deliver high-quality education
   - Led with a strong community focus, embracing the New Orleans East community through partnerships, outreach initiatives, and support for senior citizens and families

Reflection from Dr. Tara Johnson

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Einstein Charter Schools alongside extraordinary educators, students, families, and community partners. After three decades in education, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply committed to ensuring that students remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Board Reflections on Dr. Johnson’s Legacy

Board President Dr. Raymond Delaney praised Dr. Johnson’s lasting contributions, noting:

“Dr. Johnson’s leadership extended far beyond the role of CEO. She centered students, honored families, and embraced the broader New Orleans community in every decision she made. Her service reflects the core values that define Einstein Charter Schools, and the Board is deeply grateful for the legacy of student-focused leadership she leaves behind.”
Einstein Charter Schools extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Johnson for her unwavering advocacy for children, her principled leadership, and her lasting impact on students, families, and school communities across New Orleans.


 

  
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