The following is a communication by Hoboken Superintendent Johnson attempting to explain why she went under the tile of "Doctor" since at least 2009 but did not actually receive her degree until August of 2022. An article in Hudson County View explains many of the details. To be very clear, the Superintendent was and is certified. It is important to understand that in the State of New Jersey, a doctorate is not needed to hold the office of superintendent.
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| 2009 Boonton HS Yearbook |
In reading the letter, the Superintendent feels there "have been so many obstacles placed in front of the work that is being done in the district" while the superintendent has enjoyed super majority Board support for her entire time as superintendent.
The Hudson County View article indicates that Johnson has been enjoying the title of "Dr" as far back as her days in Boonton, NJ.
An additional story on this topic has been filed by The Jersey Journal and NJ.COM.
Date: Tue, May 16, 2023
Subject: A Note from the Superintendent
Dear Hoboken Public School Community,
As you may have read, there was an article that calls my credentials into question. I want to take a moment to address our school community in the most direct manner. The position of Superintendent requires a New Jersey Certification for School Administrator which I have held since 2004, along with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. In addition to these requirements, I also hold a Master’s Degree in European Intellectual History and a Doctor of Letters in Historical Studies.
Drew University conferred my Doctor of Letters in 2022, after many years of matriculation due to personal and health circumstances. While my requirements were complete and simply needed to be updated in order to obtain my diploma and make that title official, I should have made it a priority to tie up loose ends. I did not do so until last year and I take full responsibility for that. This matter has been rectified. However, trying to address each comment that is being made by those that chose to generate this story will only perpetuate further inaccuracies.
I do truly apologize for any negative aspersions that this situation has brought to the district. Over the past eight years there have been so many obstacles placed in front of the work that is being done in the district. Despite these, we have come so far and I could not be more proud of our accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Christine A. Johnson, D.Litt.
Superintendent of Schools
