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 principals whose leadership makes a difference in schools across Chicago. It was an evening to celebrate, but it also reminded us of something important: The people we celebrate deserve more than applause.
As much as we love recognizing our school leaders, appreciation must mean more than a beautiful evening… or a social media post. It should be something school leaders experience in their everyday lives. In the resources available to support students. In working conditions that allow them to lead effectively. In professional respect, meaningful protections and in a genuine voice in the decisions affecting their schools. These should never be occasional gestures or privileges reserved for a select few. They should be the standard for every school leader.
And that's why our work as a union matters. CPAA has already secured important victories, including a total 8% raise for school leaders and due process protections. We continue to fight for the resources, support and professional respect our members deserve at the bargaining table. And when a collective bargaining agreement is ready for members to consider and ratify, your voice will matter once again.
But beyond the contracts, the policies and the day-to-day demands of the job, there's another reason this work matters so much. The reason principalship exists: the students. For many students, their principal or assistant principal is one of the first people who shows them what leadership really looks like. Not simply someone with a title or authority, but someone who listens, collaborates, makes difficult decisions, stands up for others, and believes in their potential. Those lessons aren't always taught in a classroom. Sometimes they're taught simply by the example you set. And they can stay with a child for a lifetime.
Principal Alesia Franklin-Allen of George Leland Elementary, a member of CPAA’s Governing Board, a recent CPS Game Changer Award recipient, and the cover story of our October magazine, says it clearly: “Principals can’t do this work alone… Fighting for the conditions that let us lead well is part of fighting for kids.” If you haven’t read her story yet, read it here, starting on page 12.
So, to every principal and assistant principal... THANK YOU. For the leadership you provide and for the countless ways you make a difference. We hope you know, and more importantly, that you feel, how much you matter. Principal Appreciation Month may be coming to an end, but our commitment to you never does.
One Union | One Voice | One Direction.
