Every day, I walk into my classroom knowing my students are capable of greatness. But I also know many of them face challenges that make success harder than it should be.
One student in particular stands out. He was just 13 years old—an 8th grader with a dream of becoming an engineer. To get to school, he took three public buses and walked 25 minutes. His mother didn’t have a driver’s license, and he didn’t live with his father. Despite all that, he was one of my top students—bright, driven, and full of potential. But when transportation failed or the weather turned bad, he missed school. And every missed day was a missed opportunity.
I saw him. I supported him. So did other teachers. But I’m not sure the system did.
There are countless students like him across Indianapolis—kids with big dreams and even bigger obstacles. That’s why tonight, I’m joining other parents, educators, and community members at the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) meeting. Together, we’ll be sharing a bold vision we created collectively—one that reimagines how our city can better support all students.
This vision is rooted in opportunity and the belief that every child deserves to be seen and supported. It’s not just about policy—it’s about people. It’s about making sure every student is heard, valued, and given a real chance to thrive. This isn’t just a document—it’s a call to action.
Let’s make sure every student is seen—and supported. I hope to see you there.
ILEA Meeting Details:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School, Scholar Center
1202 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Read Our Vision: Together We Thrive: A Shared Vision for Student Success in Indianapolis.
Read About Our Vision in the News:
WFYI: Proposal calls for IPS board revamp with expanded authority over charter schools
