Argie Johnson selected new Chicago schools chief - next superintendent of Chicago, Illinois public school system

Argie Johnson, duputy chancellor for instruction with the New York City Public Schools, recently was selected to become the next superintendent of the Chicago public school system folllowing a nation-wide search.

Johnson, a 26-year veteran of New York contract that calls for an annual salary of $174,000. Over the years, the 54-year-old former biochemist has held posts in the school system with increasing responsibility, including principal and subdicstrict superintendent.

In selecting Johnson, who described herself as a "champion for children" the Chicago Board of Education pointed to her outstanding background as an educator and her ability to boost test scores and bring together school and community.

While some have criticized the selection of "an outsider" to straighten out a poorly funded school system with low rest scores, high truancy rates and a $415 million budget deficit that may jeopardize schools' openings in the fall, Johnson has extended an olive branch to administrators and the community.

She said, "I would be happy to sit down with my brothers and sisters and discuss things..."