Indianapolis Public Schools

I need to brag on our Indianapolis Public Schools high school student athletes and their continued academic success for a quick sec (check the graphic). I know I harp on this a lot, but these outcomes hold true every year, every semester, every quarter. This is real. And this matters. What you see here is the result of several factors and traits, most of which are cultivated and/or promoted by school-based sports participation. Of course, this carries over into graduation rates and success after high school as well. Shoutout to our coaches for going above and beyond for our students. Shoutout to our school administrators for creating an environment for success. Shoutout to our district leadership for investing in these programs. And shoutout to our student athletes for doing the work.

Nine years ago this month, I began a new job in Indianapolis Public Schools. I cried after I took the job because, while it was something I was excited to do, I was leaving a job that I truly loved, with people I deeply cared about, and work that wasn’t finished (leadership lesson: even when you know it’s the right move, stepping into your next level of leadership still often includes feelings of loss and grief; it’s normal and you should make space for those feelings!) Five years ago today, I was named the permanent superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, transitioning from the interim title I’d held for the six months prior. It was never a job I’d aspired to have or imagined for myself. In fact, it wasn’t a real consideration until my boss at the time asked/nudged “is there ANY chance you could see yourself as superintendent, because you could do it…” When he put it that way, I realized my interest level wasn’t zero and maybe, just maybe, it was a next step I should consider. (leadership lesson: tell your direct reports what you see for them in their future. Sometimes, you’re watering a seed they may not even fully realize has been planted. And, then, help them grow into that future!) Five years in, I describe my job as a labor of love. It’s the most accurate description I can think of right now. It is a labor. For sure. Intense, heart-stretching, brain-twisting, character-building, time-intensive complex work. But, wow. So much love for what I get to do and who I get to do it with and for. I don’t know what the future holds, but my gratitude abounds for the time I’ve had and get to keep having in Indianapolis Public Schools with #TeamIPS. We are doing incredible work that is making a difference for our kids, families, and community and I am SO excited for what lies ahead. So, Year 10 on TeamIPS? Let’s go!!💙