School leaders do far more than manage buildings. They build communities. They know which students need encouragement, which families need a little extra support, which teachers need guidance, which metrics deserve closer attention and which practices need to change. They balance the needs of individuals with the needs of an entire school community, making decisions every day that shape the experiences and opportunities of young people.
It's complicated, demanding, and deeply human work. And across Chicago this month, we saw that leadership in action.
At Morgan Park High School, students took center stage in October, demonstrating how student voice, data-driven improvement, strong partnerships and supportive leadership can move a school forward. Behind that progress is a school leadership team, led by Principal Dan Kuzma, that understands the value of belonging and the importance of giving young people a voice in their own education.
At the Chicago Board of Education, Principal Alexander Zalar highlighted the work of the School Leaders AI Coalition, now developing the seventh edition of its CPS Guidebook. As technology continues to transform education, school leaders like Zalar are helping shape how we approach these new opportunities and challenges, ensuring that educators have a voice in how technology is used to support teaching and learning.
The Board also recognized Principals July Cyrus, Louis Davis, Scott Scherquist, Jaimie Poole, Javier Arriola-Lopez and Edwin Thompson in its Honoring Excellence recognition during Principal Appreciation Week.
And when U.S. News & World Report named Illinois' top 25 elementary schools, seven Chicago Public Schools made the list!
We asked principals what makes their schools successful. Their answers reminded us that behind every ranking, every data point and every achievement are people who care deeply about children.
"We believe strongly in educating the whole child… Academics and social-emotional learning are equally important." Dr. Katie Magnuson, Skinner North Classical School
"We teach kids what they are ready to learn when they are ready to learn it." Trish Davlantes, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy
Different schools. Different approaches. But a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
On October 22, school leaders gathered at The Ivy Room for the CPAA Gold Coast Gala (an evening dedicated to celebrating the people behind this extraordinary work). We honored 18 school leaders named CPS Game Changers, along with the countless principals and assistant...
