Tomorrow, Dr. Russell D. Johnston will complete his service as Acting Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), a post he has held since March 2024. Dr. Johnston has been appointed Superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore (PA) School District, effective May 1, 2025.
M.A.S.S. extends our thanks and congratulations to Dr. Johnston, who is a former member of our association. We are grateful for all that he has done for students, families, and educators in the Commonwealth, particularly his commitment to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Dr. Johnston previously served as Superintendent of the West Springfield Public Schools, special education director for West Springfield, and head of the elementary special education department for the Wellesley Public Schools. Since joining DESE in 2014, Dr. Johnston has been instrumental in improving services for students with disabilities, helping schools reopen safely during the pandemic, and providing direct support to the Lawrence, Holyoke, and Southbridge schools, among other accomplishments.
We wish Dr. Johnston the very best in the next chapter of his distinguished career!