Annual Report We Believe
All children can excel with great teachers and school leaders who are empowered with the autonomy to innovate and make decisions at the school and classroom levels. Neighborhoods and communities most impacted by educational inequity must be the ones to drive systemic changes in our educational system.
Mission
The Mind Trust strives to provide every Indianapolis student access to an excellent education by amplifying the power of neighborhoods and communities to lead education change, supporting schools to grow and excel in a thriving education ecosystem, and disrupting systemic racism in education.
Vision
Indianapolis will be a city where every child has access to an excellent education in pursuit of a day when race and income are no longer predictors of life outcomes.
Our Values
Community
We value the diverse perspectives of our community and stakeholders, particularly those who share the backgrounds of our city’s students. We seek to strengthen our work by acting with empathy, learning from others, and leading through partnership.
Entrepreneurship
We encourage and seek innovations that challenge the status quo. We forge new paths by responding to problems with visionary solutions and pursuing implementation with courage.
Equity
We operate with the unwavering belief that all students and communities deserve the opportunity to thrive. Because of this, we invest in ideas and leaders to build systems that eliminate barriers, elevate opportunity, and amplify the power of communities.
Impact
We act boldly and persistently to create outstanding educational opportunities for all students across our city, both now and in the future. We believe that great schools lead students to academic success and transform communities and create new opportunities in the lives of their students.
Integrity
We act firmly by our values. When necessary, we make tough decisions, follow through on our commitments, and are responsible stewards of our resources.
Team
We collaborate to spark innovation and develop transformative ideas. We care for our colleagues, laugh together often, and encourage excellence in one another.
Our Beliefs
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Disruption & Change
Institutional racism, discrimination, privilege, and oppression have profoundly adverse effects on our students of color and must be disrupted.
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For the Children
Children—no matter their background or circumstances—can excel under the right conditions.
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Community Perspectives
The perspectives of community members must be valued, and their voices should shape education innovation and transformation.
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Teachers & Leaders
Great teachers and school leaders are the most critical ingredients for student success.
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Innovation & Autonomy
Great schools have the autonomy to innovate and make decisions at the school and classroom levels and are held accountable.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do to ensure present and future educational success for all students in Indianapolis.
We commit to pursuing antiracism by:
- Creating policies, programs, and opportunities internally and externally that equitably redistribute power and control in our community.
- Eliminating the predictability of outcomes associated with race or other identity markers through our work for our city’s students and our staff.
- Reflecting on and evaluating the impact of our work by engaging our students, families, and communities.
- Empowering and elevating current and upcoming leaders of color by investing in them through leveraging our institutional power, privilege, resources, and access.
As Indianapolis becomes more diverse, education options should also grow to meet everyone’s needs.
Francisco Valdiosera
Founder of Monarca Academy
I’ve been heartened to see The Mind Trust’s deliberate focus on racial equity take root across the organization.
Miriam Acevedo Davis
President of La Plaza
I hope our city will continue its partnerships with the community and prioritize the needs of students and families.
David Spencer
School Leader at KIPP Indy Legacy High
I am proud to have witnessed The Mind Trust bring the charter sector and the traditional school sector together.
Bart Peterson
Former Mayor of Indianapolis
It’s a great honor to be involved with an organization that provides equal access to high-quality education.
Jim Schumacher
Board Chair of The Mind Trust
I’m excited for us to accelerate toward an equitable future where everyone in our city can thrive and flourish.
Shannon Williams
Executive Vice President of The Mind Trust
A growing number of schools are getting results and providing choices to our community.
Brandon Brown
CEO of The Mind Trust
Surge Academy helps people expand their leadership and learn together in accountability and connectedness.
Geoffrey Fenelus
School Leader of Promise Prep
The Fellowship planning year was so impactful and let me hone in on what my school needed to put in place.
Darius Sawyers
Principal of Paramount Englewood
During my time here in Indianapolis I have felt tremendous support as a school leader.
Kimberly Neal
Founder & Executive Director of BELIEVE School