Superintendent's Office
Administrative Assistant
Superintendent
Dr. Shirley is Superintendent of Lake Ridge New Tech Schools, Calumet Township in Northwest Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington, IN, a master’s degree from Indiana University Northwest, an administrative license from Purdue University, Calumet Campus, and obtained her doctorate degree from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Shirley has worked as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum, assistant superintendent and since 2006 has served as superintendent of Lake Ridge New Tech Schools. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Board of Advisors, Executive Committee Member, and Chair, for Indiana University Northwest. Dr. Shirley is a member of the Alumni Board of Advisory for Indiana University Bloomington Campus. Dr. Shirley serves as Ambassador Chair for the Board of Directors for Edgewater Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. She has served as a member of the Executive Board of Indiana Public Schools’ Superintendents and served as Chair for Northwest Superintendents’ Study Council District 1 Chair. Dr. Shirley has been an Indiana School Safety Specialist since the inception in 1999. She has been a member of the State Safety Academy’s Advisory Board and a Founding member of the Safe Schools Lake County Commission. In 2013 Dr. Shirley was appointed by State Superintendent Glenda Ritz to the Indiana Department of Education Special Education Advisory Board and reappointed by Dr. Jennifer McCormick in 2018. Dr. Shirley is a Founding member of the Lake Ridge Schools’ Education Foundation.
Dr. Shirley was chosen by members of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents as the 2013 and 2014 District I Superintendent of the Year. In addition, in 2013 and 2016 she was nominated to be a finalist In the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Ceremony and ultimately won that distinguished honor in 2018.
Transformation Efforts
Lake Ridge Schools was slated for school takeover in 2006, through the auspices of Dr. Tony Bennett. However, this was unacceptable for Dr. Shirley. Through strategic planning and thoughtful processing Dr. Shirley successfully led the turn-around-team to a victory of academic success resulting in the school being taken off academic probation. The success has been maintained to date. With support from her School Board and Leadership Team, she has been able to transform her school district to a recognized district as “An Island of Academic Excellence” as stated by Martha J. Kanter, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education. She has been recognized by the Board of Education of the Lake Ridge Schools for her commitment to excellence. Dr. Shirley has been granted many awards and certifications throughout her educational career.
Dr. Shirley was very instrumental in planning and sustaining two very important initiatives in her school district. The first initiative was the planning and creation of a “School Based Health Clinic” that not only services the school but services the local community as well. Secondly, she established the first New Tech High School in Northwest Indiana that has led to the implementation of a New Tech Middle School and two New Tech Elementary Schools. The New Tech Network uses the district as a national training site. To date her district is noted for being a K-12 New Tech School District. In 2016, Dr. Shirley is proud to have been able to open a new Athletics Facility that has brought a refreshed sense of school pride and community involvement.
Community Leadership
Dr. Shirley has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since 1974. She crossed over at Gamma Nu Chapter at Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana. She has been an active member of the Gary Alumnae Chapter Inc. and serves on the Political Action Committee. She has been a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Professional Fraternity for over 30 years. She served as a member of the Lakeshore Alliance for Student Success (LASS), a member of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS Executive Committee), Executive Committee Member in the Indiana Urban Schools Association, member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative, serves as a member of the Northwest Indiana Public School Study Council, a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Executive Board of the Northwest Indiana Education Service Center (NWIESC), an active member of the National Affiliate of National School Board Association, a member of the Indiana School Boards Association and a member of NABSE National Alliance of Black School Educators.
Professional development has been a strong asset for Dr. Shirley to stay current and make good decisions about best practices in all areas. She has professional training in many areas of education including an Administrator Mentor Training Program, Project Peace (Conflict Resolution Management), Stephen R. Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), worked 10 years for HWC Executive Leadership Aspiring Superintendents Summer Institute, and a wealth of other training. She currently is a facilitator for the Indiana Aspiring Superintendents Association. She is a supporter of the American Heart Association, United Way, American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. Dr. Shirley serves as a mentor for interns completing their higher degrees in education.
Education & Background
Dr. Shirley earned degrees from Indiana University Bloomington, IN, a master’s degree from Indiana University Northwest, an administrative license from Purdue University, Calumet Campus, and obtained her doctorate degree from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Shirley is married to her wonderful husband, Carlos, and between them they have three daughters, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
She believes in the famous quote from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Image Gallery
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IAPSS Celebrates Superintendents of Color
Lake Ridge New Tech Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, is 1 of 7 African American Superintendents out of 293 in the State of Indiana.
CNTHS Open House
LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley (center) and Board President Kim Osteen greet parents and students at Open House.
CNTHS Swimming Team
A little swimming practice never hurts.
CNTHS Football Team
Helping to manage the football team.
LRNTMS Future Chefs
LRNTMS Future Chefs
On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Urban League of Northwest Indiana held its annual Diversity and Inclusion Symposium to help make its dream of a more inclusive world a reality. Students, teachers, and leaders from all over the community gathered at Valparaiso University to engage in earnest conversation and create hope for the community’s future. (Photo copyright GreatNews.Life)
LRNTMS Lunch Period
LRNTMS students relaxing during lunch.
Class of 2023
Several members of the Class of 2023 receive their caps and gowns.
ELL Event
Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley meets with students at the English Language Learners event.
National Night Out
(L to R) Lake Ridge MS Principal Rachel Neimann, Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, School Board President Kim Osteen, Longfellow ES Principal Melissa Rettig, Asst. Supt. Cynthia Mose-Trevino, and Board Member Louise Neese enjoying National Night Out at the U.S. Steel Yard, home of the Gary SouthShore RailCats.
National Night Out
LRNTS Board Member and Gary Police Officer Samuel Roberts talks with a student at the National Night Out event at the U.S. Steel Yard, home of the Gary SouthShore RailCats.
In-person Registration
LRNTS staff members Kathy Cole, Ana Parrish, Jessica Westfall, and Miriam Eckenrode are hard at work registering students for the 2023-24 school year.
Opening Day 2023
Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley wears "future glasses" and poses with AI guru Matt Miller at the LRNTS opening day convocation.
Opening Day 2023
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley addresses LRNTS faculty and staff.
Opening Day 2023
LRNTS staff get fired up for a new school year!
Opening Day 2023
(L to R) LRNTMS Math and Science Coach Kyle Stephens, Principal Rachel Niemann, and Instructional Coach Holly Plowman accept the 2023-24 Spirit Trophy.
Donuts with a Hero
School Resource Officers (L to R) Dan Gutierrez and Brian Perez meet with Longfellow students for Donuts with a Hero Day.
Longfellow Cafeteria
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley checking out the rules of the Longfellow cafeteria.
Head Start Play Date
Fun times at the Lake Ridge Head Start Play Date.
Head Start Play Date
More fun from the Lake Ridge Head Start Play Date.
School Board & Leadership Retreat 2023
Chef John White prepares for the School Board & Leadership Retreat.
School Board & Leadership Retreat 2023
Administrators focused on retreat discussion.
School Board & Leadership Retreat 2023
Lots of work got done at the School Board & Leadership Retreat.
Mexican Independence Day
LFNTES students and staff celebrate their Mexican heritage on Sept. 15th for Mexican Independence Day.
L to R Indiana Urban Schools Association Director David Marcotte, LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, and South Bend Schools Supt. Dr. C. Todd Cummings share a moment during the IUSA meeting held in the LRNTS Conference Center.
State Representative Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) speaks to members of the Indiana Urban Schools Association meeting held at the LRNTS Conference Center.
Indiana State Representative Vernon G. Smith speaks to members of the Indiana Urban Schools Association meeting hled at the LRNTSD Conference Center.
LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley (center) poses with members of the Indiana Urban Schools Association during a meeting held at the LRNTS Conference Center.
Homecoming 2023
She does it all: Senior Alexis Flores running for Homecoming Queen and playing in the Powder Puff football game.
Homecoming 2023
Prepping for the Homecoming Parade
Homecoming 2023
I play the drums and I sack quarterbacks.
Homecoming 2023
School Board President Kim Osteen and Girls Golf Coach Samantha Miestowski.
Homecoming 2023
This is what it was all about!
Homecoming 2023
The Business Office checking it all out. L to R Chris Akers, Glenda Shurlow, and Jessica Gibbs.
Homecoming 2023
The Trevino family: Warriors past, present, and future!
Homecoming 2023
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley and Administrative Assistant Yvonne Acevedo ready to cruise the parade route.
Homecoming 2023
So ready for the game!
Homecoming 2023
L to R LRNTMS math teacher Tatiyana Turner-Jones, Instructional Coach Holly Plowman and her son William, and Principal Rachel Niemann.
Homecoming 2023
LRNTMS cheerleaders sharing the fun!
Homecoming 2023
We got this!
Homecoming 2023
School Resource Officer Brian Perez
Homecoming 2023
Biking the parade route
Homecoming 2023
Can't wait for the game!
Homecoming 2023
Coach Salary checking it all out!
Homecoming 2023
Coach Dermody refereeing the Powder Puff game!
Homecoming 2023
(L to R) Powder Puff coaches Melissa Klahn and Danielle Soucie
Homecoming 2023
Great catch!
Homecoming 2023
Athletic Director Sara Kuntarich making sure everything is going as planned.
Homecoming 2023
Just flipping out!
Lake Ridge paramedic Stanley Steele shows LFNTES 4th-grade students how to perform CPR.
LFNTES 4th graders enjoying a visit to the Griffith-Calumet Township branch of the Lake County Public Library.
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
Lots of good conversation at the EL Movie & Remembrance Night held recently at CNTHS.
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
(L to R) District EL Coordinator Linda Hobock and LFNTES EL Aide Maria Ramos share a moment during the recent EL Movie & Remembrance Night held recently at CNTHS.
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
Director of Title I/EL Regin Johnson and LFNTES EL Aide Maria Ramos share a laugh with the audience at the EL Movie & Remembrance Night held recently at CNTHS.
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
LFNTES Home School Liaison Jennah Reyes stands in front of her ofrenda, which honors deceased relatives, during the EL Movie & Remembrance Night held recently at CNTHS.
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EL Movie & Remembrance Night
Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley greets parents at the EL Movie & Remembrance Night held recently at CNTHS.
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
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Halloween Trunk or Treat
Urban League of Northwest Indiana Luncheon
LRNTS staff recently attended the Urban League of Northwest Indiana luncheon on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Front row (L to R): Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Mose-Trevino, LFNTES Principal Melissa Rettig, CNTHS Counselor Araceli Mendoza, and CNTHS Athletic Director Sara Kuntarich. Back row (L to R): LRNTMS Behavior Interventionist and Athletic Director Jonathan Nwannunu, Director of Title I/EL Regin Johnson, and LRNTMS Principal Rachel Niemann.
J's Breakfast Club
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley and staff appear as guests on J's Breakfast Club featuring host Rosie Washington in Gary, Indiana. (L to R) Penny Cochran, Norma Coleman, Rosie Washington, LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, LRNTS Director of Title I/EL Regin Johnson, LRNTS Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Mose-Trevino, and LRNTS Director of Communications Eric Johnson.
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
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Halloween Costume Parade
Veterans Day
LFNTES Principal Melissa Rettig welcomes veterans and guests to the LFNTES Veterans Day celebration.
Veterans Day
A gathering of veterans attended the LFNTES Veterans Day celebration.
Veterans Day
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley (center) joins Lake Ridge military veterans (L to R) Terrence Jackson, Board Member Dan Diehl, Linnet Carpenter, and Shannan Kuesis at the LFNTES Veterans Day celebration.
Veterans Day
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley (center) joins Lake Ridge military veterans (L to R) Terrence Jackson, Board Member Dan Diehl, Linnet Carpenter, and Shannan Kuesis at the LFNTES Veterans Day celebration.
Veterans Day
A plaque honoring former LRNTMS student and 1995 graduate of CNTHS Jeanette L. Winters greets visitors at the front door of LRNTMS. Marine Sargeant Winters was killed on January 9th, 2002 when a plane carrying her and her crew crashed while on a mission to fight terrorism in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was the first American woman killed in that conflict.
Veterans Day
LRNTS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley met with LRNTMS sixth grader Jeffrey McClendon who wore Army garb to celebrate Veterans Day.
Veterans Day
The Armed Services Color Guard started the CNTHS Veterans Day Ceremony.
Veterans Day
CNTHS Principal Chris Bajmakovich welcomes students, staff, and guests to the Veterans Day celebration.
Veterans Day
CNTHS Choir/Music Theatre teacher Rhonda Franklin directed the choir in military-themed songs.
Veterans Day
CNTHS English teacher Greg Keehn spoke about how the discipline and leadership skills he learned while in the Army made him a better person.
Veterans Day
CNTHS Art teacher Samantha Miestowski shares her experiences as an Army Lieutenant and Paratrooper.
Veterans Day
CNTHS senior and National Honor Society member Nicole Smar read from her essay about why military service is important.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Dedicated CNTHS students serving up the trimmings.
Thanksgiving Dinner
CNTHS junior Kandice Holman delivering one of the turkeys. This one was cooked by her dad.
Thanksgiving Dinner
(L to R) CNTHS senior Megan Reiser and CNTHS Behavior Interventionist Danielle Soucie cooking something good.
Thanksgiving Dinner
LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley discusses the fine points of carving a turkey with volunteer Jeremia Glasper.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Volunteer LaFonda Robinson and LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley preparing meals.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Pre-Thanksgiving Day Dinner organizers (L to R) CNTHS senior Megan Reiser and CNTHS math teacher Sophia Miner meet with LRNTS Supt. Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley.
Thanksgiving Dinner
The Lohrbachs—Monica, Aiden, Anyah, Alyah, and Julian—having a good time together.
Thanksgiving Dinner
(L to R) Community member Angie Zamudio, CNTHS math teacher Sophia Miner, community member Dan Zamudio, and CNTHS senior Adriana Nutall enjoyed the evening.
Thanksgiving Dinner
CNTHS Instructional Coach Melissa Klahn reading the raffle numbers.
Thanksgiving Dinner
LRNTS SRO Brian Perez was on duty at the Pre-Thanksgiving Day Dinner at CNTHS.
Thanksgiving Dinner
(L to R) Chartwells Executive Chef Jeanette Shaw and Assistant Director Tiffany Harper volunteered their time to make the evening a success.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Felicia Gutierrez and her daughter Adelise were proud winners of a school supply basket.
Thanksgiving Dinner
CNTHS Music/Drama Teacher Rhonda Franklin discusses the "Three Tragedies" the drama club would be performing.
Thanksgiving Dinner
CNTHS Drama Club actors in a scene from "Emilia" based on Shakespeare's "Othello".