Chicago Public Schools Celebrates National Principals Month

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CHICAGO- Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is celebrating National Principals Month in October with a series of events to honor and highlight the dedication, expertise, and achievements of the District's more than 600 principals. From supporting students and staff to organizing events and communicating with their school communities, CPS principals are on the front line of public education everyday. They ensure that students thrive in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive climate and culture with high quality instruction and curriculum.

CPS is partnering with several organizations to coordinate events across the District during National Principals Month, from principal coffee gatherings to special events. The Chicago Public Education Fund is sponsoring several events, including a Chicago Bulls Principal Appreciation Night Oct. 30. Illinois Principal Appreciation week will be celebrated October 20-26 with Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, October 25, according to the Illinois Principals Association (IPA).

"Our principals lead their school communities day in and day out to meet the individual needs of staff and students," said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. "They are our schools' instructional leaders but also work to address countless issues and challenges, from operations to academics, while championing their school community."

CEO Martinez and Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova shared their thoughts on the important work that our principals carry out in this brief video thanking them for everything they do.

At CPS, officials recognize that Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous and other school leaders of color make a huge impact in the lives of our students. The District has made great strides to ensure that the diversity of its school leaders, central and network staff reflects the diversity of the student body. As of May 2024, 65 percent of CPS principals identify as a person of color. More than 41 percent of the District's principals identify as Black and 22 percent identify as Latino, serving as school leaders as well as role models for students of color.

CPS leaders remain committed to continuing to invest in recruitment and retention efforts. A 2023 University of Chicago report found that CPS principals are more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity than principals in other urban areas and nationally. The report also showcased that newer principals are more likely to be Black than the overall CPS principal population.

"Principals helm the most important job in our District. They are responsible for and answer to everyone within a school community, including students and teachers, and families," said CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova, a former CPS principal. "As a District, we strive to make sure all our schools have strong leaders dedicated to the success of their staff, students, and communities."
Through the Department of Principal Quality, the District works to identify, develop, support, and retain strong principal leaders who are dedicated to student success in CPS. Under the direction of the Office of Network Support, the department helps shape a District culture that values and empowers school leaders and ensures their input is considered in decisions.
Additionally, the Principal Advisory Council (PAC) serves the CEO and CEdO and provides recommendations for policies and initiatives. Members represent each of the school networks and work closely with District leadership to ensure representation from communities across the city. The PAC meets every other month with CEO Martinez and CEdO Chkoumbova.
Below are the school leaders, by network, that have been recently elected to the District's Principal Advisory Committee:

"Our school communities are held up by the principals and assistant principals who oversee every aspect of their school and work to create a unique culture to serve their school community needs," said Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA) President Troy LaRaviere. "If anyone ought to be celebrated, it is the amazing principals and assistant principals who lead Chicago Public Schools."

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