Dr. Carroll F. Johnson
January 16, 1913 – October 1, 2012

Colleagues,

As you have already learned a giant in our profession and the founder of our organization, Carroll Johnson has died after a long and extraordinary life and career.

I had the great good fortune of spending time with Carroll, a truly remarkable leader who was compelled by an unyielding commitment to the value of public education and this institution’s unique capacity to elevate the lives of humankind.

Dr. Johnson was a pioneer and a visionary, and fearless in his devotion to building a just and equitable society using public education as an engine for social change. He is credited with leading the successful desegregation of the White Plains City School District, and in breaking down the barriers to the superintendency for women and minorities. His legacy is incalculable, his contributions everlasting. His attendance at annual AASA conferences was legendary and unbroken until the very later years in his life; he believed deeply that committed colleagues could change the course and destiny of the lives of children.

Carroll was recognized for his extraordinary contributions by Teachers College, Columbia University where he was honored as professor emeritus and had a scholarship established for aspiring school leaders in his name.

He left all of us at the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, an organization of his making, a legacy worthy of honoring. In his memory, let us renew our commitment to pursuing fearlessly, relentlessly, and with the integrity that defined his life that all of the children entrusted to the care of public educators will be fairly and equitably served.

We often seek heroes in our lives, we, the members of the Lower Hudson Council School Superintendents, are fortunate to have had one in our midst.

Sincerely,
Louis N. Wool
Past President
Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents