Dr. Stephanie Payne

Dynamic and results-driven educational leader with 35 years of experience in K-12 education, including 11 years at the helm of a thriving charter school. The second largest brick and morter charter school in the state of Georgia. Proven track record of elevating school performance from startup to top-tier status statewide. Accomplished in strategic planning, instructional leadership, team development, and community engagement. Passionate about equitable access to high-quality education and building sustainable systems that foster academic excellence.

Key Accomplishments

• led a charter school from inception to ranking among the Top 10 Charter Schools in the State
• Awarded the Beating the Odds from the Governors Office of Student Achievement
• Recipient of The Truett Cathy True Inspiration Award
• Successfully transitioned from Founding Board Chair to, Founding Principal to Deputy Superintendent maintaining continuity and growth.
• Oversaw a 250% increase in student enrollment and a 70% improvement in standardized test scores during tenure.
• Implemented innovative academic programs that increased college readiness.
• Built high-performing leadership teams and mentored dozens of school leaders and teachers.
• Secured multiple state and federal grants totaling over $5 million for school improvement and expansion.

Professional Experience

Deputy Superintendent - DuBois Integrity Academy 2023-Present

• Oversee academic programming compliance, HR, and strategic planning.
• Managed cross functional campus initiatives including curriculum alignment, professional development, federal programs and equity audits.
• Foster strong relationships with state education agencies and community stakeholders.

Founding Principal

• Designed and implemented the school's vision, mission and academic program from the ground up.
• Recruited and developed faculty and staff resulting in consistent student academic growth.
• Championed a data-driven culture that improved student outcomes across all demographics.
• Created a safe, inclusive, and achievement oriented school environment recognized at the state level.

Educator & Instructional Leader

• Served in roles including classroom teacher, department chair and state instructional coach for low performing schools under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative.
• Known for mentoring new educators and supporting their journey to becoming fully certified teachers. Building collaborative teaching cultures.