By Lookout Staff

September 10, 2024 -- The School Board on Thursday hired Melodi Johnson as the District's special education coordinator, a post she most recently held at the Palisades Charter High School.

Johnson, who will assume the position on September 23, has worked for nearly 20 years in education, having also served as assistant principal at Vista Non-Public School, where she developed programs for at-risk youth.

In that post, she "trained teachers on effective classroom management strategies" and "led efforts to increase student enrollment and return students to public school settings," District officials said.

Johnson will work under the Director of Special Education to assist in the "planning, development, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of programs for individuals with exceptional needs," according to the job description.

In a statement Tuesday, Johnson said, “It is my mission to support our students and staff by building trust with the community, collaborating with educational partners to ensure the best educational outcomes for our students, and reinforcing policies that foster a culture of inclusion, respect and understanding,"

"I am determined to lead from the heart, allowing my compassion, knowledge, drive, and experience to be my guide,” she said.

In addition to her administrative roles, Johnson served as a middle school special day class teacher, where she managed Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and "delivered differentiated instruction to developmentally challenged students."

Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of California, Riverside, a Master of Arts in special education and a Master of Arts in school leadership from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

She also holds Clear Special Education and Administrative Services credentials.

“Melodi Johnson’s deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and student advocacy aligns perfectly with the core values of our district,” Superintendent Antonio Shelton said in a statement.

“Her leadership, experience, and dedication to supporting special education students make her the ideal person to step into this role and continue to advance our mission of providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment,” Shelton said.