IPS School Board Transparency

For too long, the leadership in education has not reflected the communities they represent, building barriers to the changes that families want to see in their schools. Circle City Leaders is an intensive leadership development program that gives future leaders the tools and knowledge needed to build long-term community power. 

The program centers K-12 education in our city and state with a focus on some of the challenges faced by Black and Brown students and families: equitable resources; access to quality school options; mental health support; early childhood literacy rates; and the ability to engage with and be heard by city leadership.

Circle City Leaders is an eight-month program. Fellows will learn the history of K-12 education in our city and state and how to increase civic participation and individual impact in education spaces. The conversation will be guided by executive-level leaders and subject matter experts. Fellows also will receive individual executive coaching to support their personal and professional leadership journey. 

CCL sessions take place on Fridays and Saturdays with a fact-finding trip to explore another city’s K-12 landscape in October. There is no cost to apply for participation in Circle City Leaders.  

Circle City Leaders' 57 alumni include rising executive level leaders at Lilly, Cummins, Ivy Tech, Martin University, as well as school principals and teachers who, since completing the program, now serve on public- and private-sector boards or hold an active leadership role in public education. 

CIRCLE CITY LEADERS PROGRAM GOALS 

1. Elevate the voices of Black and Brown leaders who care about K-12 education and want to get more involved in solutions for students and families in and around Indianapolis.  
2. Expose participants to the history of K-12 education in our city and state as well as leaders from across the country who share a vision for a public school system with quality options available to all students.  
3. Educate those interested in serving in a leadership position in the education space.