Larry Johnson

Larry W. Johnson Jr. is one of three Executive Directors of Schools for Akron Public Schools, accountable for academic results and leadership growth across the district's middle schools. I build leadership pipelines, onboard and mentor assistant and campus principals, and drive instructional priorities that move systems—not just singular schools—forward. Previously, the Executive Director of Talent and Organizational Development ensured and redesigned systems to support alignment with educator and talent recruitment, as well as professional development for the district. As Akron's first Executive Principal, I led the district-wide transformation of the College and Career Academy for middle schools and designed targeted professional learning. I collaborated and coordinated the successful launch of essential services across all middle schools, helping to redefine the 8th-grade experience and, in turn, the middle school journey.

My 25-year APS career includes founding the instructional leadership program at the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School and leading the Firestone Community Learning Center to sustained district and state recognition, as well as Newsweek Bronze distinctions. I design scalable programs—such as the Innovative Leaders Institute and an AI-centered high school course—partnering with Battelle, the Tennessee STEM Hub, and community leaders to expand STEM and equity-centered opportunities. A proud product of Akron Public Schools, I strike a balance between a fierce commitment to student success and a strong influence on the community.