In her blood: Elgin High School alum Suzanne Johnson officially named U-46's superintendent

The title of superintendent might be new, but Suzanne Johnson is no stranger to Elgin Area School District U-46.

Officials Tuesday announced the Elgin High School alum will be the district's new superintendent. Johnson has been serving as the interim superintendent since late February, when her predecessor, Tony Sanders, was named the state superintendent of education.

Johnson has spent her 26-year career in the district, starting as a language arts teacher at Canton Middle School in Streamwood. Before joining the district's administrative team in 2013, Johnson served as principal at Bartlett High School. She served as deputy superintendent of instruction for five years before being named interim superintendent in February.

“The board is delighted to welcome Dr. Johnson as our new superintendent,” said Susan Kerr, U-46 school board president. “We look forward to working with her and are excited about the future of U-46.”

Johnson was not available for comment Tuesday.

Board members are expected to approve Johnson's contract in June. She will assume her duties as superintendent on July 1.

Johnson was selected after an internal search that included community input.

“Within U-46, Dr. Johnson is known for her deep understanding of instructional practices and a commitment to fostering academic excellence,” according to a news release from U-46.

Johnson has an undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from DePaul University. She completed a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Johnson and her husband, Ben, live in Streamwood with their two children, Will and Evan.