Blair Principal, Renay Johnson, Announces Retirement Effective at the End of This School Year

In a letter to the Montgomery Blair High School Community, Principal Renay Johnson announced her retirement effective at the end of this school year.

On July 1, 2011, Johnson became the first woman to be principal at the school. She has worked for MCPS for 33 years, including various positions at Georgia Forest ES, Galway ES, Bradley Hills ES, White Oak MS, Paint Branch HS, and Takoma Park MS. The full letter to the community can be seen below:

“Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

Happy 2nd semester. It is hard to believe that we have completed the first half of the school year. It’s been a pleasure seeing so many of you at our first semester events.

I am writing to inform you that after 33 years of service with Montgomery County Public Schools, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement at the end of this school year, effective July 1, 2024.

First and foremost, I want to express my immense pride in having served as the first woman principal of Montgomery Blair High School since my appointment in 2011. For the last 13 years, it has been an incredible honor to serve the Blair community and lead such a remarkable school which proudly holds the title of the largest enrolled high school in Maryland.

Montgomery Blair High School is truly exceptional, boasting a student body of over 3200 students and 317 incredibly talented staff.

We have celebrated outstanding graduation rates, and remarkable participation in advanced placement and honors courses. Our students continue to thrive earning county, state, and national recognition for their outstanding achievement and they gain admission to the top colleges and universities in the nation. Our Blazers’ achievement is a testament to our dedicated staff and supportive parent community.

I am particularly grateful for the strong social-emotional support that we have consistently provided to our students. This support has played a crucial role in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our vibrant extracurricular activities, athletics, clubs, music, and theater program have enriched the lives of our students, families, and community. It has been a pleasure witnessing our Blazers’ growth. I have delighted in proudly posting our Blazers’ accomplishments on social media for our community to cheer and enjoy.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of PTSA President, Ms. Ayo Atterberry, PTSA members, Blair families and Mr. Mark Levin and the Montgomery Blair High School Alumni Association. Their dedication, involvement, and generous donation of resources has been instrumental in creating a thriving and supportive educational environment for our students.

I look forward to graduating my last group of Blair seniors, the remarkable Class of 2024, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Together, we have achieved great things, and I have no doubt that Montgomery Blair High School will continue to thrive under the leadership of the next principal. I am committed to working closely with Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well Being and my successor to ensure a smooth transition and provide any necessary assistance during this period.

The next step in the process to find a new Blair principal is for Montgomery County Public Schools to advertise the vacancy which will happen in February 2024. Our Director, Mr. Sean McGee, will communicate with the PTSA to ensure that community voice is included in the selection and interview process.

I look forward to my last semester as the PROUD BLAIR PRINCIPAL, and enjoying our Blazers’ activities, awards ceremonies, concerts, prom, and graduation.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson

Principal

Montgomery Blair High School”