This morning, as I stood with Mayor Johnson, CEO King, Principal Franklin-Allen, educators, families, students, and community partners at Leland Elementary, I was reminded of what the first day of school really represents: possibility.
At Leland, there is much to celebrate. Chronic absenteeism has dropped from 41 percent to under 17 percent, attendance has climbed to nearly 95 percent, and the school’s Pre-K programs have earned the Gold Circle of Quality. Those numbers are impressive. But as a parent, educator and former principal, I also know that academics are not the only measure of success. Success is also about instilling confidence, creating community, fostering a sense of belonging and helping find identity.
And NONE of that happens by accident. People build schools. Parents. Teachers. Assistant principals. Staff. Partners. Students. Community members. And school leaders bring those people together around a vision for what is possible. At Leland, Principal Franklin-Allen and her team have built relationships, strengthened programs, and developed partnerships that help students thrive.
As I looked at the students this morning, I thought about the promise represented in every school across Chicago. We do not yet know all the greatness our children will become. Our responsibility is to create the conditions that make that greatness possible. That means investing in relationships, programs, leadership and, most importantly, people.
It also means remembering that meaningful change takes time. Transformational leadership requires trust, stability and the opportunity to build. Culture is built. Trust is built. Partnerships are built. Leland reminds us what becomes possible when strong leaders have the time and support necessary to build something lasting.
Across Chicago today, principals and assistant principals opened their doors to students and families, welcomed staff, solved problems, answered questions, and created the conditions for another year of learning to begin. At CPAA, we are proud to represent those leaders... on union. One voice. One direction.
As we begin this new school year, let this be our shared direction: One city. One promise. One commitment to our children.
