Eagle Nation!

I am honored to serve as one of the Assistant Principals of Rufus Payne Elementary School and proud to be an Eagle. With 13 years of experience in education and entering my third year as an assistant principal, I am passionate about supporting student achievement, fostering positive school culture, and building strong partnerships with families and staff.

I believe every child has the ability to succeed when provided with encouragement, high expectations, and meaningful opportunities to learn and grow. My goal is to ensure that all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I am excited to continue making a positive impact on our school community and look forward to a successful year at Rufus Payne Elementary.

Together, we will help our Eagles soar!

Greetings Eagle Nation, 

I am so appreciative for the opportunity to serve Rufus E. Payne Elementary School as one of the Assistant Principals. I am entering my 22nd year in education. During that time, I have served as a teacher, department chair, team lead, dean, assistant principal of curriculum, assistant principal of operations, principal, and a district level director.

As a product of DCPS, I am extremely passionate about this school district and community. I am also a proud first-generation college graduate, having earned a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate from the Universities of Central and North Florida. 

I believe all students, regardless of their backgrounds and obstacles, have the potential to learn. My goal in education is to raise lifelong learners that use education as their pathway to greatness.

I am so appreciative of the overwhelming love and support that I received upon arriving here. I am looking forward to an amazing year of leading, learning, growth, and transformation. 

In servant leadership, 

Stephen D. Richardson, Ed.D