As Vancouver Public Schools works to restore financial stability and build a stronger future for our students, we are pleased to announce the hiring of Romaneir (Ro) Johnson as our new Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Ms. Johnson succeeds Brett Blechschmidt, who departed the district at the end of the summer, and will begin serving as COO on November 30, 2026.
Ms. Johnson brings more than 25 years of experience in financial management and school district operations, including a proven history of helping large districts navigate financial challenges and return to financial stability. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Accounting from Davenport University.
Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Broward County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the nation. Before that, as CFO for Hillsborough County Public Schools, Ms. Johnson helped guide the district from a negative fund balance to a surplus of approximately $395 million in just three years. She has also led financial improvement efforts that generated more than $200 million in savings and has experience working with school districts across the country experiencing financial challenges.
"Restoring financial stability is one of the most important responsibilities facing our district, and we know it will take strong, experienced leadership," said Board President Wendy Smith. "Our community deserves to know we are taking meaningful steps to address these challenges. Ms. Johnson has helped other school districts navigate difficult financial circumstances and emerge stronger, and that experience gives us confidence in the work ahead."
Ms. Johnson joins VPS as the district works through Binding Conditions, a process that provides additional state oversight while we develop and implement a plan to restore financial stability. As COO, Ms. Johnson will help lead the district's financial and operational planning, strengthen financial accountability, and ensure resources are being used effectively to support students and schools.
"We have been clear with our community that our financial challenges are serious and that there are no easy solutions," said Superintendent Dr. Torres-Morales. "But I also believe strongly in the future of Vancouver Public Schools. Ms. Johnson brings the experience and leadership we need to help guide this work, make thoughtful decisions, and build a more stable foundation for our students and staff."
For Ms. Johnson, the opportunity to join VPS is about more than balancing a budget.
“I am drawn to Vancouver Public Schools’ commitment to aligning strong financial stewardship and effective operations with student learning, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet,” said Ms. Johnson. “Public education has been the focus of my career, and I am committed to ensuring that well-managed resources translate into meaningful support for students, educators, and schools. I look forward to joining the Vancouver community, building relationships across VPS, and learning how I can help advance its priorities.”
We know the path to financial stability will require hard work, difficult decisions, and everyone’s support. Bringing experienced leadership to this effort is an important step, and we look forward to the road ahead.
Please join us in welcoming Chief Ro Johnson to Vancouver Public Schools.