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TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF MARIA GOODLOE-JOHNSON (1957-2012), TO HONOR HER STRONG COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION, AND TO EXPRESS THE GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR HER FOUR YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Whereas, the second child of Jewell Eva and Leonard O. Goodloe, Dr. Maria Louise Goodloe-Johnson was born on September 3, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska. The young Maria was a 1979 graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor's degree in special education, followed by a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. She then began her career as a special education teacher and soccer and cross-country coach in the public schools of Aurora; and
Whereas, in 1987, Maria was named assistant principal at Broomfield High School in the Boulder Valley Schools. Three years later, she became the youngest African-American female high school principal in the state of Colorado. While principal at Broomfield, she completed her doctorate, after which she served as director of secondary instruction for the St. Vrain Valley School District; and
Whereas, following her service as Corpus Christi Independent School District assistant superintendent, in 2003 Dr. Goodloe-Johnson took up her duties as superintendent of schools for South Carolina's Charleston County School District, where she was not only the first African-American but also the first female to hold that position. Her exceptional record for improved student achievement in the district is still remembered; and
Whereas, in 2007, she was selected as superintendent of Seattle Public School District, where she served until March 2011. Dr. Goodloe-Johnson then accepted a position as a deputy chancellor with the Michigan Education Achievement System; and
Whereas, throughout her life, she was actively involved in community service and for her efforts received numerous honors. Among these are the American Association of University Women Denver Chapter 1996 Trailblazer Award, Girl Scouts Mile Hi Council Leadership Circle "Women of Distinction" Award, University of Nebraska at Lincoln Alumni Achievement Award, and 2010 Broad Center for the Management of School Systems Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership; and
Whereas, in 2004, she married Bruce Johnson, and God blessed the couple with a daughter, Maya Jewell, a sister for Maria's stepdaughter, Brittany. Dr. Goodloe-Johnson was a devoted wife and mother and an ardent supporter to her extended family; and
Whereas, this woman of faith always maintained her spiritual focus. When she moved to Charleston, she joined Hibben United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, and while living in Michigan, she and her family were members of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church and became involved in a number of church ministries. God called Dr. Goodloe-Johnson home peacefully on December 5, 2012; and
Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent dedication and excellence Maria Goodloe-Johnson bestowed on this great State, the House takes great pleasure in remembering her committed labors on behalf of South Carolina's children and in adding its warmest commendation to the many encomiums that have flowed in over the years to this distinguished educator. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of Maria Goodloe-Johnson (1957-2012), honor her strong commitment to education, and express gratitude for her four years of outstanding service as superintendent of Charleston County School District.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the family of Maria Goodloe-Johnson.
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