Aleesia Johnson has been an educator for 17 years. She was named superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) in June 2019 and is the first African American woman to serve in this capacity. In this role, Aleesia oversees the strategic direction of the school district in achieving the district’s mission to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with purpose. The largest school district in the state of Indiana, Indianapolis Public Schools covers 80 square miles, employs over 5,000 people, and serves 31,000 students across 88 unique schools and programs. Over the course of her career, Aleesia has served in a number of roles, including Innovation Officer and the Deputy Superintendent for Academics in Indianapolis Public Schools as well a middle school teacher, teacher development coach, assistant school leader, and school leader. Aleesia graduated from Agnes Scott College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and African American Studies. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Oakland City University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. She and her husband are the proud parents of four children, Deja, Frederick, Naomi, and Grace.