Contact: Melissa Salmanowitz (DCPS) | 202-535-1096 | Contact Email

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Kaya Henderson issued the following statement mourning the death of Father John Payne, the principal of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Father Payne has been working with Duke Ellington since 1995. He became Dean of Students in 2000 and served in that role until this year when he was promoted to principal.

“Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Father John Payne. During his decades of service at Duke Ellington, Father Payne helped thousands of students achieve their dreams. Whether you knew Father Payne for years, or for only a few minutes, you instantly felt his passion and commitment as a champion of the arts and education. Father Payne insisted upon excellence for his students and was a stalwart believer in possibility and tradition. He had an abundance of faith in his students, showed them love every single day, and set an example that created a welcoming and thriving school community. While we grieve this tragic loss, we send our prayers, our thoughts and our condolences to his family.”