Christina School District announces 3 finalists for new superintendent

The Christina School District has unveiled the three finalists in its search for a new superintendent following a thorough selection process that incorporated community input, detailed interviews, and evaluations by Ray & Associates, the district’s superintendent search firm.

The finalists are:

1. Dr. Kendra V. Johnson, Esq. – A seasoned educator with 28 years of experience, Dr. Johnson’s career began as a science teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools in 1996. She has since held a variety of leadership roles, including principal and superintendent, demonstrating a strong commitment to advocating for students and families across both urban and suburban school districts.

2. Dr. Deirdra Joyner – Currently serving as the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for the Christina School District, Dr. Joyner is renowned for her transformative leadership and her ability to empower educators in addressing complex challenges and driving school improvement within the district.

3. Dr. Harold (Brian) Yearwood – With a background as a middle school science teacher and tennis coach, Dr. Yearwood’s career has evolved into administrative roles, culminating in his tenure as superintendent of Missouri’s fourth-largest school district. His leadership experience spans both operational and academic domains.

To engage with the finalists and learn more about their vision for the district, the Christina community is invited to attend a series of public forums.

Each finalist will participate in one of three events to share their background, answer questions, and gather feedback from attendees.

Christina leadership changes

Last July, the board voted after a seven hour meeting that lasted to nearly 3 a.m. to boot Dan Shelton from his superintendent position, just two years after he was named Delaware Superintendent of the Year.

Shelton allegedly yelled at an employee and made them uncomfortable, but those that voted him out were frustrated with the direction the district was going.

Other chaos in the district included the Department of Justice monitoring board meetings for a year – something unprecedented, accusations of Board Member Naveed Baqir being unfit to serve since he has been living overseas, votes of no confidence for Board President Don Patton, and what feels like a billion violations of Robert’s Rules of Order, a longstanding method of maintaining order and parliamentary procedure during meetings. It creates a structure for speaking order, properly voting, and more.

The voted on anything controversial usually ended in a 4-3 vote, with the majority consisting of Patton, Baqir, Vice President Alethea Smith-Tucker, and Y.F. Lou, and the minority voters of board members Douglas Manley, Monica Moriak, and Amy Trauth.

In August of last year, Shelton hired the Neuberger Firm to represent him.

Thomas Neuberger, his lawyer, wrote a letter to the board’s lawyer asking for it to cease and desist its actions against Shelton.

It says the board owes Shelton damages for lost wages, harm to his reputation, emotional and physical distress.

The letter says Board President Don Patton and three other members have violated Shelton’s due process rights through “intentional, willful, wonton (sic) and reckless actions of these persons lawlessly ignoring settled law, as well as the advice of their attorneys.”

RELATED: Lawyer for Christina’s Shelton says board violating rights

In December, Shelton sued the district and the four board members who voted to not renew his contract.

RELATED: Ousted Christina Superintendent Dan Shelton sues district, 4 board members

The lawsuit is ongoing and includes an ask of $2,768,994 to Shelton for “destroying his good name, and violating his Due Process and contract rights.”

Since Shelton was fired, Bob Andrzejewski has been the interim superintendent. He served the same role in Christina from October 2015 to December 2016.

The forums are:

• Dr. Kendra V. Johnson, Esq. – Monday, April 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Glasgow High School Auditorium
• Dr. Deirdra Joyner – Wednesday, April 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Glasgow High School Auditorium
• Dr. Harold (Brian) Yearwood – Thursday, April 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy

Each forum will also provide an opportunity for community members to complete a survey offering feedback to the Board of Education.

The Christina Board of Education plans to announce the selected superintendent after a deliberation session on Thursday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m.