February Topic: A Celebration of Black History
Joining the discussion: Dr. Patricia Payne, IPS Racial Equity Initiative and Aleesia Johnson, IPS Superintendent
Dr. Patricia Payne, IPS Racial Equity Initiative
Patricia (Pat) Payne began her employment with the Indianapolis Public Schools in 1962. She taught second grade until 1987 when she was appointed to design and direct the IPS Crispus Attucks Center, which comprised the Office of Multicultural Education and the Crispus Attucks Museum of African/African American History. Following retirement in 2014, she returned to IPS and transitioned to an IPS Administrator on Special Assignment. Presently. Pat directs the IPS Racial Equity Initiative. She has served IPS for almost 58 years.
Aleesia Johnson, IPS Superintendent
Aleesia Johnson has served as the superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), Indiana’s largest public school district, since July 2019. She is a dynamic and collaborative leader who has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to educational quality and equity over the course of her career.
Our Facilitator:
Mike Simmons
Bridge Builder Strategies
Bridge Builder Strategies partners with non-profits, businesses, and government agencies to bring transformational change and lasting impact to bear on the people, organizations, and communities they serve. BBS helps their partners to build relationships through shared experiences that lead to engaged communities and lasting impact.
