Hinsdale, IL – During its committee of the whole meeting on Thursday, May 13, the District 86 Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Patrice Payne as the director of instructional equity.

 

“I want to congratulate Dr. Patrice Payne on her appointment as the director of instructional equity, and welcome her to District 86,” said Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. “This position was created, in part, to support the work and goals of our equity statement, which include designing and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum, helping our faculty develop culturally responsive teaching practices, and cultivating the social and emotional skills in our students so that they can grow into engaged global citizens. Dr. Payne's impressive background and qualifications, as well as her knowledge, leadership and passion for education, will enable us to advance this work, achieve these goals and help all of our students down the path toward their ideal future."

 

Prior to joining District 86, Payne spent two years as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support coordinator for Rich Township High School District 227 in Matteson. In that role, she directed academic planning and curriculum development in English language arts, math and support classes; collaborated with administrators and staff on the implementation of student interventions and supports; coordinated a district-wide approach to discipline that was founded in restorative practices and social and emotional learning; and supported the professional development of staff in areas that included academic growth, student capacity, instructional quality and rigor. Payne also served as the principal at Frazier Preparatory Academy in Chicago and Crenshaw Arts-Technology Charter High School in Los Angeles, and was an English teacher at Thornton Township High School in Harvey.

 

Payne, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English for secondary education from Pepperdine University, a master's degree in education administration from Governors State University and a doctorate in education leadership from the University of Southern California, said that she is excited about the new challenges that lie ahead in District 86. 

 

“I have always had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for District 86,” said Payne. “The members of this community truly value the importance of education, and are fully committed to the success of all students. This is reflected in the way people have embraced the district’s strategic plan and responded to its equity statement. It is that strong belief in education and tireless commitment to our students that I will strive to build upon in my role as the director of instructional equity. In the meantime, I want to thank the board of education and Superintendent Prentiss for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with them, as well as our faculty, staff and families, to help ensure that we continue to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of every student we serve."

 

Payne received a one-year contract that will begin on July 1, 2021.