INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to approve Aleesia Johnson as superintendent.
The vote officially makes Johnson the first African-American woman to lead Indiana's largest school district. She was selected for the job in June over two other contenders.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to serve and encouraged by the team of phenomenal and talented people we’ve built across the district from the classroom to the boardroom,” Johnson said in a news release provided by IPS. “I commit to do everything I can to lead our team with an urgent and laser-like focus to create the best learning environment for all children.”
IPS said Johnson's strategic priorities include:
- Student-centered teaching and learning
- High-performing team
- Racial equity mindset
- School-centered central services
- Engaged families, team and partners
- Sustainable finances and operations
Johnson has worked in education for 16 years, including four years with IPS. She previously served as deputy superintendent and was the district's interim superintendent after Lewis Ferebee left IPS in December to become chancellor of Washington D.C.'s public school system.
