Michael Johnston

Michael Johnston is a former member of the Colorado State Senate, representing the 33rd Senate district from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, Johnston's legislative career was marked by a focus on education policy and reform. He was born on November 17, 1974, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grew up in Vail, Colorado. After his tenure in the state senate, he pursued various political ambitions, including candidacies for governor and the U.S. Senate, and he has recently been elected as the mayor of Denver, Colorado.

Early life and career

Michael Johnston was born as one of four children to Sarah "Sally" and Paul Ross Johnston. His father, a U.S. Army veteran, was actively involved in local governance, serving on the town council and later as mayor of Vail. Johnston's upbringing in a politically engaged family likely influenced his future career in public service. He completed his secondary education at Vail Mountain School, graduating in 1993. Following high school, he attended Yale College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1997.

During his time at Yale, Johnston engaged in various community service initiatives, including volunteering at a homeless shelter in Denver and mentoring youth in a housing project in New Haven, Connecticut. After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined the Teach For America program, teaching English at Greenville High School in Mississippi for two years. This experience, which exposed him to the challenges faced by under-resourced schools, inspired him to write a book titled "In the Deep Heart's Core," reflecting on his experiences in education.

Johnston's commitment to education led him to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he earned a master's degree in education policy. While at Harvard, he collaborated with Jon Schnur, an education advisor to Al Gore, and contributed to the founding of New Leaders for New Schools, an organization aimed at training leaders for urban educational environments. Following his master's degree, Johnston attended Yale Law School, where he further developed his expertise in education policy and served as an advisor to various political candidates, including Tom Strickland during his 2002 U.S. Senate campaign.

Upon returning to Colorado in 2003, Johnston took on the role of principal at Joan Farley Academy. He later became the principal of the Marvin Foote Detention Center, where he organized the center's first high school graduation. In 2005, he taught education law at the University of Denver Law School and became the founding principal of the Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts (MESA) in Thornton, Colorado. His leadership at MESA was instrumental in shaping the school's curriculum and programs as part of a broader initiative to develop smaller educational institutions.

Johnston's involvement in education extended beyond Colorado. He played a significant role in leading an education summit in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and collaborated with U.S. Congressman George Miller on legislation aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers. His expertise in education policy led him to join Barack Obama's presidential campaign as an informal advisor in 2007, where he became a key figure in shaping the campaign's education platform. Johnston's work at MESA was highlighted during the campaign, showcasing the school's achievements in the context of national education discussions.

Legislative service

Johnston entered the political arena when he declared his candidacy for Colorado's 33rd Senate district in April 2009. This district, which has a significant African-American population, became vacant following the resignation of incumbent Peter Groff, who accepted a position in the Obama administration's Department of Education. Johnston's campaign was primarily motivated by his commitment to education reform, particularly in light of legislative challenges faced during the previous session.

In a competitive selection process, Johnston received the appointment to the Senate seat after securing a majority of votes from the vacancy committee. He was sworn into office on May 29, 2009. Following his appointment, he was elected in 2010 to complete Groff's term and subsequently re-elected in 2012, consistently receiving substantial support from voters.

During his time in the Colorado Senate, Johnston served on the education and finance committees, where he focused on legislative initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes. One of his notable contributions was his support for Senate Bill 10-191, which aimed to reform teacher and principal accountability by incorporating measures of student academic growth into performance evaluations. Although the bill was signed into law in May 2010, it faced criticism from educators who viewed it as an unfunded mandate that imposed additional burdens on school districts.

Johnston also played a key role in the passage of the READ Act, which was signed into law in May 2012. This legislation aimed to provide resources to school districts for identifying and supporting K-3 students who struggled with reading. The READ Act established a framework for early intervention, ensuring that students received the necessary support before advancing to the fourth grade.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Johnston maintained a strong focus on education policy, reflecting his background as an educator and school leader. His efforts in the Colorado Senate were characterized by a commitment to improving educational access and quality for all students, particularly those from underserved communities. The 33rd Senate district, which he represented, encompasses parts of northeastern Denver and includes a diverse population with varying educational needs.

Johnston's legislative initiatives aimed to address systemic challenges within the education system, advocating for policies that would enhance accountability and support for teachers and students alike. His work on the READ Act exemplified his dedication to early literacy, recognizing the critical importance of reading proficiency in a child's educational journey.

In addition to his legislative accomplishments, Johnston's involvement in various education and service organizations further underscored his commitment to public service. He served on the boards of several local and national organizations focused on education and community development, contributing to initiatives that sought to improve educational opportunities across the country.

After concluding his tenure in the Colorado Senate due to term limits, Johnston continued to pursue public service through various avenues, including his candidacies for governor and the U.S. Senate. His recent election as mayor of Denver marks a new chapter in his political career, reflecting his ongoing dedication to serving the community and addressing the challenges facing urban education and public policy.